Lombardy

Overview

Lombardy is Italy's powerhouse of diversity, home to Milan, the Italian lakes, and some of the country's most prestigious wine zones. From the alpine terraces of Valtellina to the rolling hills of Franciacorta, the region produces wines of extraordinary range and quality.

Franciacorta is Italy's answer to Champagne, a sparkling wine made by the traditional method from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc. With stricter aging requirements than Prosecco and a focus on terroir, it has become the benchmark for Italian sparkling wine among connoisseurs.

In the dramatic alpine valley of Valtellina, Nebbiolo - here called Chiavennasca - grows on breathtaking stone terraces carved into mountain slopes. The resulting wines, particularly Sforzato and the various Superiore designations, are among the most elegant and perfumed expressions of this noble grape. Meanwhile, the shores of Lake Garda produce lively, approachable wines from local varieties.

Key Varietals

• Chardonnay & Pinot NoirThe stars of Franciacorta, producing refined, bottle-fermented sparkling wines with brioche, citrus, and almond complexity.
• Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca)In Valtellina, Nebbiolo becomes ethereally light and floral, with rose, tar, and red cherry notes from extreme alpine terroirs.
• Croatina & Uva RaraKey components of the Oltrepò Pavese region's Bonarda, yielding juicy, fruity reds with bright acidity and soft tannins.
• Lugana (Turbiana)A white of remarkable texture and aging potential, with lemon, almond, and white peach notes from the southern Lake Garda shore.