Oltretorrente – Biodiversity in Italian Organic Wine from Piedmont

Oltretorrente is a small organic winery located in the hills of Tortona, in Piedmont, Northern Italy. It produces limited quantities of expressive, organic wines that reflect the biodiversity and character of their landscape.

A winery “against the current”

Oltretorrente, whose name can be translated as “beyond the stream” or “counter-current”, is led by Chiara and Michele, a couple who left Milan over a decade ago to settle in the small village of Paderna, home to just a few hundred residents. Their decision reflects a conscious move away from urban life toward a more rooted, agricultural existence dedicated to organic wine production and vineyard regeneration.

From abandoned vineyards to living biodiversity

After years of restoring neglected vineyards inherited from older generations, Chiara and Michele have built a small but highly respected winery focused on biodiversity, sustainability, and minimal intervention winemaking. Their work is now widely appreciated by wine experts and enthusiasts for its authenticity and precision.

Small production, diverse expression

Oltretorrente produces only four wines—two reds and two whites—from approximately 7 hectares of vineyards divided into more than 10 small parcels scattered across the hills of Paderna at around 300 meters above sea level. Despite the small scale, the diversity of expression is remarkable, with each vintage reflecting subtle variations between parcels and seasons.

Winemaking is deliberately non-standardized

White wines are typically vinified without skin maceration, though malolactic fermentation may occur. Red wines are harvested late to ensure full ripeness and structure. Among the most notable wines is Barbera Superiore, a single-vineyard expression made from century-old vines. Their Rosso is a blend mainly of Barbera and Dolcetto, with proportions that vary depending on the vintage and vineyard parcels.

Organic wine production in limited quantities

All wines are produced organically, with a strong emphasis on vineyard health, biodiversity, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Annual production is limited to approximately 25,000–30,000 bottles.

Explore the Oltretorrente wine collection.