LOMBARDIA

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

 
                                                                                                                                                                                              Abruzzo        Basilicata        Calabria        Campania        Emilia-Romagna        Friuli-VeneziaGiulia        Lazio        Liguria        Lombardia        Marche        Molise        Piemonte        Puglia        Sardegna        Sicilia        Toscana        Trentino-AltoAdige        Umbria        Valled'Aosta        Veneto                                     

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