Lombardy

Although Lombardy is the fourth largest Italian region, only 10% of its area is suitable for growing grapevines. Due to its highly developed industry, there are only a few wine-growing areas, which are moreover very distant from each other. Despite this handicap, Lombardy is home to the most famous and best Italian sparkling wine made using the traditional champenoise method, Franciacorta. Franciacorta is the first Italian appellation that exclusively applies to sparkling wine made using this method. The only permitted varieties for its production are Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero, which are grown south of Lake Iseo.

The second wine-growing area where quality wines are produced is Lake Garda (areas Valtènesi and Lugana) with a typical Mediterranean climate, where, in addition to vines, olive trees and citrus fruits also thrive. The two best-known Lombard varieties are grown here, Groppello, which is the basis of the rosé wine Chiaretto, and Turbiana, from which the white Lugana DOC is made.

The Valtellina area is also prized, with its stunning steep terraced vineyards and snowy peaks in the background, where from Nebbiolo grapes, which are left to dry for several weeks, a full-bodied aromatic red wine Sfurzat is created.