The eastern part, Lugana, south of Lake Garda, is dominated by white Trebbiano di Lugana grapes, from which fresh, fruity, medium-weight white Lugana wines are produced. Nebbiolo grape variety has been grown here since the 5th century and outside Piedmonte, Lombardy wine region is the only place where grape found optimal terroir and climate. High Altitude Reds of ValtellinaĪ historic wine-growing zone Valtellina in the Alpine part of the Lombardy wine region produces light red wines from the main Nebbiolo grape variety, which is called Chiavennasca locally. It is also a Blanc de Blancs from the Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco grape varieties. It is a sparkling wine produced after the "Metodo Classico" that matured longer than the usual sparkling wine from this growing area. In addition to the classic white varieties, Franciacorta also has a very appealing rosé sparkling and the regional specialty Satèn. Since 1995 Franciacorta sparkling wines have DOCG status and they also created DOC Franciacorta for the production of non-sparkling wines. The sparkling wine has to mature for 18 months, a vintage sparkling wine even 30 months before it is allowed to go on the market. However unlike their French counterparts, here, in the Lombardy wine region, they use Pinot Bianco instead of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Wines here are made according to the traditional champagne method. Bubbles of Franciacortaįranciacorta wine-producing area near Brescia and Lake Iseo produces one of the most prestigious sparkling wines in Italy.
WINE MAPS OF ITALY BY REGIONS FULL
Optimal road, airport and railway communications and of course, high level of hospitality".Ĭheck out the full interview with Renato for great insider tips about Lombardy Wine Region. "I would recommend the Franciacorta for the great quality of the wines produced and beautiful cellars in a fabulous geographical location. However, here you can discover less popular but high quality wines such as Lugana and Garda, Botticino, Moscato di Scanzo and Valcalepio, and Oltrepò Pavese.
Furthermore, Lombardy has 22 DOC wines and 15 IGT wines. The western and southern shores of Lake Garda, Franciacorta between Bergamo and Brescia, and Valtellina, the valley of the Adda river on the border with Switzerland, where Nebbiolo has been cultivated since ancient times, are the most suitable for viticulture.Īppellations of Lombardy wine region: In total, the area has 5 DOCG areas, with the DOCGs Franciacorta and Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico being for sparkling wines only. Lombardy wine map Characterful wines and elegant bubbles of Lombardy wine region Since the middle of the 20th-century sparkling wine production has become increasingly important. For centuries, however, the capital Milan was the main buyer of the tasty wines of the surrounding area. HISTORY BOX: Since Celtic and later Roman times, the vine culture in Lombardy is native, the Roman poet Plinius already mentions the wines of Oltrepò and Catullus of Lake Garda. Started with breathtaking mountainous lakes and medieval towns finished with small artisan wineries in hidden places and local mountain cuisine.
The region is bordered to the north by Switzerland and by the Emilia-Romagna region to the south, Trentino–Alto Adige and Veneto to the east, and Piedmont to the west. While the area is largely associated with industrial urban life, the region has surprisingly much to offer. Lombardy is one of the largest regions and the industrial engine of Italy located in the north of the country with Milan as a regional capital. Vinyeards in Franciacorta, Lombardy wine region Where is Lombardy wine region?