Hey, wine lovers! Let me take you on a delightful journey to discover the wonderful world of Guglielmini wines. I’m sitting here surrounded by their beautiful bottles, and I can’t help but feel the warmth of family tradition in everyone. This charming winery, tucked away in the beautiful hills of San Colombano in Miradolo Terme, has been lovingly crafting wines since 1949 – that’s three generations of passionate winemaking! Their unique location makes their story even more special, right where three provinces meet (Pavia, Milan, and Lodi), blessed with a magical microclimate that gives their wines their unique character. Thanks for sending me these bottles, Guglielmini and Wineshop Mantegazzavini.
A Philosophy Rooted in Science and Tradition
What fascinates me about Guglielmini’s approach is their seamless blend of old-world wisdom and modern expertise. Under Joseph Guglielmini’s scientific direction, they’ve forged a powerful partnership with the University of Milan’s Faculty of Agriculture. This collaboration isn’t just for show – it’s transformed their vineyard management and winemaking practices while staying true to their roots.
The family’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just talk. Walking through their technical sheets, I’m impressed by their minimal intervention approach in both vineyard and cellar. Each wine in their portfolio reflects this philosophy, from their entry-level offerings to their premium single-vineyard selections named after family patriarchs.
A Terroir Like No Other
The vineyards here tell a fascinating story. Spread across elevations ranging from 110 to 160 meters above sea level, each plot brings something unique to the table. The south and southeast-facing slopes catch perfect sun exposure, while the clay-rich soils, loaded with limestone, create ideal conditions for both their red and white varieties.
I’m particularly intrigued by how they’ve adapted their training systems to each specific site. The mix of Guyot and Pergola Alta isn’t random – it’s a calculated decision based on decades of experience with each grape variety and microclimate.
The Wines: A Journey Through Time and Tradition
Having spent considerable time with these wines, I’m struck by how each one captures a different facet of the estate’s personality. Let me share my detailed notes for their complete portfolio:
San Colombano DOC Rosso 2022
The current release showcases the estate’s modern approach to traditional winemaking. A blend of Croatina (30-45%), Barbera (25-40%), and Uva Rara (5-15%), this wine undergoes 15-20 days of maceration with pumping over in stainless steel tanks.
- Appearance: Deep ruby with enticing purple highlights
- Nose: Fresh red fruits leap from the glass, followed by subtle spice notes
- Palate: Beautifully balanced with medium-plus body, elegant tannins, and refreshing acidity
- Quality: Outstanding – showcases the vintage’s warmth while maintaining freshness
- Food Pairing: Perfect with rich pasta dishes, roasted meats, and aged cheeses
- Production: 20,000 bottles annually
San Colombano DOC Rosso 2016
This library release demonstrates how these wines can age. The same blend as the 2022, with additional bottle age, has developed more complexity.
- Appearance: Deep ruby with slight garnet edges
- Nose: Developed aromas of dried fruits, leather, and subtle spice
- Palate: Dry, fully integrated tannins, mature fruit character
- Length: Long finish with the tertiary flavor complexity
- Food Pairing: Perfect with aged cheeses and braised meats
Siro
Named after the family’s great-grandfather, this wine comes from their oldest and sunniest vineyard. Made from 80% Croatina and 20% Barbera, it represents their connection to tradition.
- Appearance: Intense garnet red with subtle brick reflections
- Nose: Complex bouquet of dried cherries, Fresh fruit with floral undertones, leather, and sweet spices
- Palate: Full-bodied with medium (+) mature velvety tannins, excellent structure, fresh medium (+) acidity balanced by velvety tannins, well-structured, medium-plus finish with elegant fruit persistence
- Quality: Premium – their top expression of traditional winemaking
- Food Pairing: Exceptional with game, aged cheeses, and truffle dishes
- Production: 2,000 bottles annually
Il Gheppio
This wine is made from the indigenous Verdea grape and showcases their commitment to preserving local varieties.
- Appearance: Pale gold with brilliant reflections
- Nose: Delicate aromatics of white peach, herbs, and almond with subtle floral notes
- Palate: Crisp and mineral-driven with fresh high acidity and distinctive local character
- Length: Medium finish with pleasant sapidity
- Quality: Excellent – a unique expression of Indigenous variety
- Food Pairing: Perfect with local fish dishes, light appetizers, and white meats
- Production: 1,500 bottles annually
Bonarda Frizzante DOC
This wine is a traditional sweet sparkling red made from 100% Croatina, representing the region’s historical style.
- Appearance: Vibrant purple with persistent creamy foam
- Nose: Fresh red berries, sweet cherry, and floral notes with complex vinous character
- Palate: Semi-sweet, medium-bodied with refreshing bubbles and soft tannins
- Length: Medium finish with fresh fruit persistence
- Quality: Very good – authentic expression of local tradition
- Food Pairing: Excellent with desserts or spicy cuisine
- Production: 5,000 bottles annually
San Colombano DOC Bianco
Added to their portfolio in 2003, this wine showcases their ability to innovate within the DOC framework. It is made from the Chardonnay Musqué grape.
- Appearance: Brilliant straw yellow with green highlights
- Nose: White flowers, ripe apple, citrus, and subtle mineral notes
- Palate: Fresh and balanced with crisp acidity, good texture and mineral notes
- Length: Medium finish with clean, fresh character
- Quality: Very good – shows the potential of white wines in the region
- Food Pairing: Excellent with fish, light pastas, and fresh cheeses
- Production: 8,000 bottles annually
Innovation Meets Heritage
Recent developments at Guglielmini have me excited about their future. They’ve just introduced a new line of sparkling wines using the Charmat method, showing their willingness to innovate. Their expansion into white wine production since 2003 has been particularly successful – the San Colombano DOC Bianco has quickly become a local favorite.
The family recently received recognition for their sustainable farming practices and earned certification for their environmentally conscious approach. Seeing a historic estate leading the charge in responsible viticulture is refreshing.
Final Thoughts
What strikes me most about Guglielmini is their remarkable ability to honor their past while embracing the future. For three generations, they’ve maintained the soul of their family tradition while continuously evolving their craft. Their wines aren’t just bottles on a shelf—they’re liquid stories that capture the essence of San Colombano’s unique terroir.
The combination of their strategic location, sustainable practices, and unwavering commitment to quality positions Guglielmini not just as a preserver of local wine heritage but as a forward-thinking producer shaping the future of Italian winemaking. For wine enthusiasts seeking authentic, terroir-driven wines that bridge tradition and innovation, Guglielmini offers a compelling portfolio that deserves exploration.
As the sun sets over their hillside vineyards, I’m reminded that great wine is about more than what’s in the glass—it’s about family, tradition, and the courage to evolve while staying true to one’s roots. Guglielmini embodies this philosophy beautifully, making it a standout producer in Italy’s rich viticultural landscape.
Thanks again for sending me these bottles!
More information about the winery: https://www.viniguglielmini.com/
Buy these wines at: https://mantegazzavini.com/search?ss360Query=Guglielmini
