Location

Recognised usually as the centre of Finance with its capital Milano, but it also is a powerhouse for wine production, Stretching from the Swiss border in the North to Mantova in the South East.

Climate

Similar to that of Piedmont, continental with cool winters and hot summers. The Alps in the North is also a major topographic influencer, as are the Appennines to the south (indeed this is where the Italian Backbone commences).

Topography

To the North of Milano one suddenly encounters the dramatic Alps where Lombardy's 2 wines of distinction are found: the Nebbiolo based Valtelina and the "Champagne" style Franciacorta (traditional method Spumante). The proximity of the Alps no doubt fundamental to the high quality of these wines. South of Milano a vast floodplain opens out until the very south of Lombardy where the Appennines (Italy's 2nd most important mountain range) start. Here quality winemaking begins with its particua;r idiosynracies and distinctiveness, especially for froathy, red, alcoholic, dry wines, drank with Milanese salame.

Soils

Are very mixed due to the vastly varying topography of the region. To the North the soils are poor, rocks are mixed with glacial deposits due to the vicinity of the Alps. To the south the soils are richer and more alluvial due to the proximity of the Po with its floodplain.

Production

1.181.000 HL

Our producers

Terre d’Aenor

Grapes

Description
See Piedmont
Principle Wines
Oltrepo' Pavese, Oltrepo' Pavese Rosso
Description
Actually the name given to three different grapes/ appellations in the North of Italy (not including the Argentinean version whose origin has yet to be authoritatively verified) Oltrepo' Pavese and Colli Piacentini Bonarda which is actually croatina. Oltrepo' Pavese Bonarda is actually a DOC. Bonarda Novarese used to soften Spanna and is actually Uva Rara Bonarda Piemontese, an aromatic variety now quite rare.
Principle Wines
Oltrepo' Pavese Rosso, Oltrepo' Pavese Bonarda
Description
What is called "Bonarda" in the Oltrepo' and Colli Piacentini regions, makes deep coloured, plummy wines, sometimes erging on the jammy. Attractively commercial and good value but tend to be one dimensional and unfortunately for export markets, frizzante.
Principle Wines
Bonarda di Oltrepo' Pavese and Colli Piacentini.
Description
Giving a wine of considerable character. Grown exclusively on the western shores of Lake Garda. And giving a wine of acidity, middling tannins and a fruity spicey palate.
Principle Wines
Riviera del Garda Bresciano DOC
Description
See Trentino Alto Adige
Principle Wines
See Trentino Alto Adige
Description
See Piedmont
Principle Wines
See Piedmont
Description
Aka Walschriesling in Austria. Somewhat derided because of its word play with the noble Rheinriesling. Arrived in Italy in the late 19th Century. Can give some good sugar levels and character when grown by the right producer. Otherwise used as a blender.
Principle Wines
Oltrepo' Pavese
Description
Aka Rheinriesling. See international
Description
Aka Vespolina in the areas of Oltrepo' and Colli Vicentini
Description
Attenzione! In Lombardy this is the real name for the Bonarda grape.
Principle Wines
Oltrepo' Pavese blends
Description
Not to be confused with North East Italy's Vespaiolo. This is also called Ughetta in Piemonte.
Principle Wines
Oltrepo' Pavese blends

Major Appellations DOCG/DOC

Description
Now synonymous with its high quality traditional method sparkling wines. Aged 25 months; vintage aged 37 months. The DOCG area is found to the east of Milan stretching up to the Lago d'Iseo and down towards Brescia.
Principle Wines
Bianco - Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero Rosato - Pinot Nero, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco Crémant - Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco
Description
Frizzante – Garganega, Chardonnay Bianco Classico – Riesling Renano/ Italico 70%. 30% others Rosso Classico – Gropello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, Barbera Varietal – Barbera, Cabernet, Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cortese, Corvina, Garganega, Marzemino, Groppello, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Riesling, Riesling Italico, Sauvignon, Tocai
Principle Wines
Riesling, Riesling Italico, Gropello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, Barbera, Garganega, Chardonnay
Description
Sparkling red either dry or sweet on a similar line to the Lambrusco from Emilia Romagna. In fact, this DOC borders on the confines of Emilia Romagna
Principle Wines
at least 85% of Lambrusco Viadanese (or Grappello Ruberti) and/or Lambrusco Maestri and/or Lambrusco Marani and/or Lambrusco Salamino,
Description
From a relatively small area to the south of Lake Garda. Very similar style to Veneto whites of Garda.
Principle Wines
Trebbiano di Lugana (at least 90%)
Description
Rosso – a blend of above grapes Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cortese, Malvasia, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Nero, Riesling Italico Riesling Renano, Barbera Bonarda (Actually consists of Croatina up to 100 plus other red varieties of Barbera, Ughetta, Uva rara), Buttafuoco - (a blend of Barbera, Croatina, Uva rara, Ughetta aka Vespolina and Pinot nero), Sangue di Giuda - sweet, red, frizzante Barbera up to 65% Croatina: up to 65%; Uva rara, Ughetta (Vespolina) e Pinot Nero Sauvignon
Principle Wines
Croatina, Barbera, Ughetta (Vespolina), Uva Rara, Cortese
Description
An ancient winegrowing area with Etruscan and Roman heritage. An east/ west valley with terraced vineyards making a very particular late harvest wine "forced" or Sforzato (in dialect sfursat)
Principle Wines
Nebbiolo aka Chiavennasca at least 90%. Small portions of other local grapes are permitted such as Brugnola, Rossola, Pignola
Description
The same area as Franciacorta but this DOC is dedicated to its still wines – with a much more historical lineage. They are usually blends of international character of both whites and reds.
Principle Wines
Rosso - Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Merlot. Bianco - Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Pinot nero
Description
Usually the lesser versions of the Sforzato di Valtellina rather like Nebbiolo d'Alba is to Barolo
Principle Wines
Nebbiolo up to 80%. Small portions of other local grapes are permitted such as Brugnola, Rossola, Pignola
Description
Ageing of at least 24 months (36 for the riserva) qualifies for superiore. There are 6 subzones of: Grumello, Inferno, Maroggia, Sassella, Stagafassli, Valgella.
Principle Wines
Nebbiolo aka Chiavennasca at least 90%. Small portions of other local grapes are permitted such as Brugnola, Rossola, Pignola

Sub Appellations DOCG/DOC

Principle Wines
Barbera, Schiava Gentile, Marzemino, Sangiovese
Principle Wines
Sangiovese, Marzemino, Barbera, Merlot, Incrocio Terzi No 1
Principle Wines
Schiava Gentile, Barbera, Marzemino, Incrocio Terzi No 1
Description
Cabernet, Merlot, Rondinella, Negrara, Sangiovese, Rossanella (Molinara), Garganega, Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Riesling Renano, Riesling Italico
Principle Wines
Moscato
Principle Wines
Rosso
- blends of Groppello gentile and/or Mocasina and/or S. Stefano and/or Sangiovese, 30-60%; Barbera, 10-20%; Marzemino
Bianco
- blends of Riesling renano and/or Riesling italico, 80% Gropello
Principle Wines
Rosso
- Croatina, Barbera, Uva Rara
Bianco
- Chardonnay, Pinot Nero
Principle Wines
Tocai Friulano 80% min. – now called Tai.
Principle Wines
Rosso
- Merlot, Cabernet
Bianco
- Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Moscato
Alto Mincio
Benaco Bresciano
Bergamasca
Collina del Milanese
Montenetto di Brescia
Provincia di Mantova or Mantova
Provincia di Pavia or Pavia
Quistello
Ronchi di Brescia
Sabbioneta
Sebino
Terrazze Retiche di Sondrio
Valcamonica

LOMBARDIA