Even though Lombardy is home to one of the country’s most productive agricultural industries, this region in northern Italy does not produce that much wine. The vineyards here are nonetheless high quality and quite varied, falling into three major sub-regions.

The northernmost is Valtellina, which sits at the foot of the Alps and neighbours Switzerland. Here the vineyards are terraced, much like those in Valle d’Aosta or adjacent Trentino-Alto Adige. The primary grape variety growing in this steep terrain is Nebbiolo, which makes for more feminine wines than what you find in the Piedmont area. Valtellina grapes are also vinified using the appassimento style (which calls for partially dried grapes) under the Sfursat or Sforzato appellation.

In the south, near Pavia, the Oltrepò Pavese area produces light reds made from Pinot Noir and bubbly whites enjoyed on a mass scale in Milan. Some promising strong reds are also made here from Barbera and Bonarda, a local variety. Mid-way, in an area that stretches from Bergamo to Lake Garda, you’ll find most of Lombardy’s 22 DOCs and 5 DOCGs, including the region’s newest star, Franciacorta. Guided by classic Lombardian business sense, Franciacorta has enjoyed a phenomenal boom in recent decades. Not only are some of Italy’s best sparkling wines made here, but the Franciacorta area has also become one of the country’s most stylish tourist destinations. 

Source: Voyage vin Italie