Cordero San Giorgio

Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy, Italy

From the masterminds behind Barolo’s legendary Vietti estate comes a wondrous new project highlighting the majesty of possibility in Oltrepò Pavese. Equal parts heritage and rebellion, this sibling-run winery is fusing Barolo pedigree with Lombard innovation to slay conventions and elevate an underrated terroir. The result is a portfolio of wines that has stunned connoisseurs and earned universal praise from even the most discerning critics.

Historical Foundation

Founded by Mario Battaia and now managed by his three children – Francesco, Lorenzo, and Caterina Cordero – Cordero San Giorgio’s story is rooted in family legacy and bold reinvention. The Corderos grew up among the vineyards of Vietti in Barolo, as grandchildren of Luciana Vietti and Alfredo Currado, the Barolo pioneer revered as the “father of Arneis.” Their father, Mario Cordero, co-led Vietti until its sale in 2016, a watershed moment that spurred the next generation to forge their own path. Armed with global winemaking experience—from Burgundy to California to New Zealand—the siblings sought a new horizon where they could pour their passion into a winery of their own.

In 2019 they discovered Tenuta San Giorgio, an ancient 22-hectare estate crowned by a 16th-century crenellated tower and a medieval cellar. Drawn by its beauty and potential, they planted fresh roots in what they lovingly call “a wild, underrated corner of southern Lombardy.” The name, Cordero San Giorgio, honors Saint George—the dragon slayer—symbolizing their bold vision to challenge expectations and create something new.

Terroir and Location

Picture the first sun-kissed hill rising from the Po Valley, and there you’ll find Cordero San Giorgio nestled on the slopes of Santa Giuletta. At 230 meters elevation, the estate enjoys a panoramic vista stretching from the Alps to the Apennines. The soil is rich in limestone and clay, ideal for Pinot Noir, imparting structure and a vibrant mineral signature. The region’s steep slopes and thick ridges create a patchwork of microclimates, moderated by mountain breezes, yielding grapes with ripe flavors and bright acidity. This hilly triangle of land, embraced by Piedmont, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna, has been a viticultural crossroads for centuries. Here, nature thrives—ancient oak and cherry forests frame the vineyards, and the estate’s sense of place emerges in every glass.

Farming Philosophy and Practices

Sustainability and stewardship define Cordero San Giorgio’s approach to farming. The Corderos cultivate around 20 hectares of vines, averaging 35–40 years old, using organic methods since 2019. The conversion to certified organic status began in 2021. A large portion of the estate remains forested, fostering biodiversity and maintaining a living ecosystem. No synthetic chemicals are used—cover crops, natural compost, and integrated pest management keep the soil and vines in balance. Hand-harvesting, low yields, and constant vineyard observation ensure only pristine fruit reaches the cellar. Farming here is both art and philosophy: nurturing the land to allow it to speak through the wine.

Winemaking Approach

Winemaker Lorenzo Cordero brings a blend of tradition and global insight to the cellar. The focus is on transparency of terroir and refined elegance. Parcels are vinified separately, fermentations are often spontaneous, and minimal intervention guides the process. The flagship Pinot Nero may undergo partial whole-cluster fermentation in stainless steel, preserving its red-fruit clarity and gentle spice. Oak is applied with restraint—wines like the single-vineyard Riservas age in French barriques followed by larger oak casks, layering structure with finesse. Extended lees contact adds texture to whites, while reds undergo patient aging to develop depth. The resulting style is vibrant, balanced, and soulful—each wine a portrait of its origin.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Cordero San Giorgio’s wines are already redefining Lombardy’s potential.

• Partù Riserva Pinot Nero (from vines planted in 1967): Silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards and 92–93 point reviews.
• Tiāmat Pinot Nero: 93 points by Wine Enthusiast and 91 by James Suckling for its silky texture and bright fruit.
• Rivone Chardonnay 2020: 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, praised for its purity and minerality.

Katari Pinot Grigio is zesty and limestone-driven, while Exergia, a Moscato d’Asti from family vines in Piedmont, offers floral richness and freshness. The lineup extends to Piasa rosato and Fredo Barbera, each marked by clarity and energy.

Their rapid acclaim, placement in top cellars, and sommelier recognition signal Cordero San Giorgio as a new Italian icon in the making. By marrying a storied heritage with fearless innovation, Cordero San Giorgio has ignited a renaissance in Oltrepò Pavese—crafting soulful, world-class wines that honor the past while boldly shaping the future.