Tenuta Mazzolino is a 20-hectare organic estate in Lombardy's Oltrepò Pavese region, producing some of the most exciting wines from the appellation. What sets this producer apart is the depth of winemaking expertise behind every bottle: the founder brought in Burgundian consultant Kyriakos Kynigopoulos in 1999, and Francesca Seralvo, the current owner, continues to pursue continuous improvement across all three wine styles. The vineyard sits on the 'hill of Pinot Nero' at 300–350 metres elevation, where cool Apennine air preserves flavour and complexity in the fruit.

About Tenuta Mazzolino

The story begins in the 1970s when Francesca's grandfather, a Milan banker, bought the property as a weekend retreat. He was encouraged by wine critics Luigi Veronelli and Giacomo Bologna to focus on Pinot Nero, and made his first serious attempt in 1985 to critical praise. The breakthrough came in 1999 when he recruited Kyriakos Kynigopoulos, a rising winemaker in Burgundy, to advise on quality and technique. Kynigopoulos has remained the estate's consultant as Francesca took over about a decade ago.

The 36 vineyard parcels are managed organically and benefit from marked variations in soil, aspect and elevation. The marl here—Sant' Agata marl—is the same geology found in Barbaresco, lending mineral structure to the wines. This terroir, combined with Burgundian-influenced winemaking, defines the estate's character. For the sparkling wine, Francesca brought in Dominique Leboeuf, a Champagne consultant, to craft a Blanc de Blancs that spends 36 months on lees. The Chardonnay and Pinot Nero are made unoaked to showcase fruit purity, with the Chardonnay including 20% of the aromatic Musqué clone macerated for 24 hours to add texture and complexity.

Tenuta Mazzolino Wines in Our Collection

The 2021 Blanc de Blancs (90 pts) is a textured, creamy sparkling wine displaying brioche richness and preserved citrus characteristics—testament to its 36-month bottle age and Champagne-level craftsmanship. The 2024 Camarà Chardonnay (90 pts) showcases the mineral, flinty character of north-facing sites, with the Musqué clone adding body and complexity. The 2024 Terrazze Pinot Nero (93 pts Falstaff) is the flagship red: light, perfumed and pure, demonstrating why the hill earned its local nickname. For those seeking lighter red options, the 2023 Mazzolino Bonarda (90 pts) offers a softer, approachable alternative made from Croatina. All three core styles—sparkling, white and red—represent excellent quality at the price point and offer distinct occasions for enjoyment.

Food Pairing

The Blanc de Blancs pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops and fresh seafood risotto. The Camarà Chardonnay suits lighter fish dishes, creamy pasta and soft cheese boards. The Terrazze Pinot Nero works with roasted chicken, duck breast, beetroot-based salads and mushroom-led dishes. The Bonarda, being lighter and more delicate, complements cured meats, pizza and casual Italian fare. Each wine reflects the cool-climate elegance Tenuta Mazzolino is known for.

What makes Tenuta Mazzolino different from other Oltrepò Pavese producers?

Kyriakos Kynigopoulos, a Burgundy winemaker, has advised the estate since 1999. The sparkling wine was developed with Champagne consultant Dominique Leboeuf. This dual French expertise, combined with organic viticulture on Sant'Agata marl, creates distinctive mineral wines with international polish.

Are the vineyard practices sustainable or organic?

Yes. The 20 hectares are organically cultivated across 36 parcels. Elevation (300–350m), cool Apennine air and careful parcel management support natural ripening and purity of fruit without chemical inputs.

Why is the Blanc de Blancs aged for 36 months?

Extended bottle ageing develops textural complexity and a fine mousse. The base wine skips malolactic fermentation, preserving acidity and freshness. The 36-month régime creates creamy, structured sparkling wine with brioche and citrus character.

Who makes Tenuta Mazzolino wines?

Francesca Seralvo, current owner, leads the 20-hectare organic estate in Lombardy's Oltrepò Pavese. She inherited the property from her grandfather and works with Burgundian consultant Kyriakos Kynigopoulos, who has guided quality since 1999.

What style of wine does Tenuta Mazzolino make?

Tenuta Mazzolino makes three styles: unoaked Chardonnay (flinty, mineral); Pinot Nero and Bonarda reds (light, perfumed); and a Blanc de Blancs sparkling aged 36 months. The 2024 Terrazze Pinot Nero scores 93 points.