Wine from Lombardy

Lombardy is one of the northernmost regions in Italy and encompasses the wine-growing areas between Lake Como and Lake Garda, and between the Alps and the Po River. Anyone who has ever vacationed at Lake Garda can appreciate the diversity of the vineyards in this area: mountainous, rugged, and almost inhospitable in the north, while the south is blessed with plenty of sunshine.

Well-known wineries from Lombardy include Ca dei Frati and Zenato , who are particularly famous for their Lugana. It's no wonder that there's no single, definitive wine from Lombardy.

Based on the accounts of the Roman poet Virgil, we know that wine has been cultivated in this region since 70 BC. Today, the total area under vine cultivation amounts to approximately 24,000 hectares.

On average, 1.5 million hectoliters of wine are bottled here each year and distributed worldwide.

That is still almost half the production volume of neighboring Piedmont – nevertheless, these wines should not be underestimated.

• • While other major wine regions boast at least one dominant grape variety, Lombardy's winemakers spent a long time searching for their flagship wine, one with the potential to conquer the wine world as "the wine of Lombardy." Now, a focus has emerged around Fanciacorta and its sparkling wine, which has caused a sensation and generated enthusiasm worldwide in recent years. In recognition of the winemakers' exceptional work, the region was awarded the DOCG seal. Another star in Lombardy's wine firmament is undoubtedly Lugana from the southwestern shore of Lake Garda – it beat Custoza as a competitor for the title of "Best Summer Wine" in the "Light and Fruity" category and has become a trendy wine, particularly in Germany and around Lake Garda.

Besides Trebbiano, the grape of Lugana, the grape varieties Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay are also used to produce fruity, sometimes rustic, wines. Lombardy's red wines are now among the best in Italy. Winemakers can score points with Bonarda, an indigenous grape variety, and easily compete on the international wine scene with their wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Barbera, and Nebbiolo. With Sfurzat, the region offers a red wine made from semi-dried grapes, a regional specialty.

These wines are primarily produced, consumed, and exported from the Valtellina Valley.