The Lombardy region is essentially famous for its luxury industry and its economic influence in Italy, however, it is also a very attractive region due to the quality of its wines. Moreover, Lombardy boasts a long winemaking tradition, as vines have been planted on the hills to the south of Lake Iseo since ancient times.
Lombardy wines possess all the necessary qualities for the production of excellent wines. This region is located in the northern part of Italy, overlooking Switzerland and to the east of Piedmont. Milan is the region’s emblematic city.
The vineyards enjoy a continental climate with a beautiful balance between hot summers and cool winters. The infamous lakes to the north of the region, such as Lake Como and Lake Garda, and the Apennine Mountains to the south, also help to regulate the climate by providing milder temperatures than in other regions.
The wines of Lombardy come from two distinct production areas. In the north, the vineyards are perched in the Alpine heights, where vines rest on vertiginous terraces. The Valtellina and Valtellina Superiore D.O.Cs extend over this area in the hollow of an Alpine valley. The famous Nebbiolo grape variety slowly develops its aromas there thanks to the warm summer weather, enabling it to reach perfect maturity.
Further south, to the east of Milan, the second area is the DOCG Franciacorta, which produces sparkling wines using the traditional method. Thanks to the rocky soil, the grapes preserve an exceptionally healthy condition. The climate is also continental and is marked by a significant amount of fog.
The best-known grape varieties used to produce Lombardy wines are Nebbiolo for red wines and Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc for sparkling wines.
