Lombardy is one of Italy’s most diverse and complex wine regions, both geographically and viticulturally. It sits at the very the north of the peninsula and shares a border with Switzerland. The terrain ranges from high mountains in the north to the Po plains in the south, with many micro-climates in between. It produces high-quality sparkling, red, white and dessert wines across many denominations. Lombardy may not be as famous as Tuscany or Piedmont as a wine-growing region, but it produces some of Italy’s most refined wines, especially in the sparkling and Nebbiolo categories. On our Northern Lombardy tour, we have the opportunity to taste the sparkling wines of Franciacorta, and the wines of the Valtellina.
Key White Grapes from Lombardy
Trebbiano di Lugana – From the southern side of Lake Garda this white grape produces floral, citrusy and mineral wines with good ageing potential. Also referred to as Trebbiano di Soave.
Riesling Italico – This white grape is popular in Oltrepò Pavese producing spumante and light, fragrant wines.
Erbamat – A rare white grape that battled extinction and is now allowed in small quantities in the Franciacorta sparkling wines to enhance freshness.
International varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio are widely grown in the region.
Key Red Grapes from Lombardy
Nebbiolo – It is known in this region by the name Chiavennasca. It has a similar profile to the Nebbiolo from Piedmont, and the wines from here can have great ageing potential.
Croatina – Grown mostly in the region known as Oltrepò Pavese, these grapes have a deep colour, robust body and a dark fruit flavour. It is often referred to locally as Bonarda.
Uva Rara – This red grape owes its name to its sparse bunches of grapes. It is usually blended with other varietals such as Barbera and Croatina.
Rossola Nera – Rossola Nera is a little-known red grape grown almost exclusively in the Valtellina. The grapes ripen to a pinkish-red and add deep colour when blended with its more famous parent, Nebbiolo/Chiavennasca.
Many non-native grapes thrive here, including Pinot Nero, Barbera, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Top Wine Denominations in Lombardy
Franciacorta – In the centre of Lombardy, close to the shores of Lake Iseo. This is Italy’s home of classic method premier sparkling wines, made from Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero.
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico – In the south of the region towards Pavia, the sparkling wines from this zone are highly regarded.
Valtellina Superiore – The mountainous territory in the north makes elegant red wines from the Chiavennasca grapes.
Sforzato di Valtellina – The Chiavennasca grape again used to make an appassimento-style red wine. The grapes are dried before pressing producing a rich long-lived wine which goes perfectly with the world’s great cheeses.
Lugana – Close to Lake Garda this denomination makes fresh, dry, easy-drinking white wines.
Wine Tip
If you are tasting sparkling wines in Franciacorta, you may come across the name Satèn. This sparkling wine style is known for its soft, silky texture and delicate profile, often described as having a “satin” quality. It’s made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes using the traditional “metodo classico” (bottle fermentation) and is characterised by a lower pressure and therefore fewer bubbles compared to other Franciacorta styles. It is similar to the French Crémant.