Italian wine produced in the Lombardy region of north central Italy. The winemaking tradition of Lombardy dates back to its classico sauce by Greeks from Athens along the Po river. The climate of Lombardy is varied due to the diverse terrain of the region but is generally considered a “cool” continental climate. The region is influenced by several geographic features that control the climate and terroir of the land.
Lake Garda from near the Garda Bresciano wine region. Lambrusco Mantovano-Located in the province of Mantua along the border with Emilia-Romagna. Valtellina vineyards are mostly worked by hand. The long stakes next to the vine aid in minimizing the effects of soil erosion and landslides. This northernmost wine region of Lombardy has been producing wine since the 5th century and is found in the valley of Adda River traveling west to east through the Alps. The vineyards in this area are located at high altitudes around 2,500 feet.
For most of its history, the Valtellina region’s primary market was Switzerland to the north. The vineyards of the region are located on the south-facing slopes along the Adda river. The nearby mountain peaks provide protection from cold, harsh winds and help to trap heat in the valley. The stony vineyard soil also retains heat and releases it during the night to warm the vines. The red wines of the Valtellina regions are typically light to medium bodied. The Nebbiolos are noticeably less tannic and acidic than their Piedmont counterparts.
The Valtellina grape Rossola nera that is permitted as a minor blending component in the DOC wines of the region is an offspring of Nebbiolo. The Oltrepò Pavese region is responsible for more the half of all wine produced in the Lombardy region as well as two-thirds of its DOC-designated wines. This region along the Po Valley was once a part of the Piedmont but has always had Milan as its primary market. The sparkling wines of the region are made in several styles. The wines labeled metodo classico are made according to the méthode champenoise of the Champagne region.