Lombardy: wine charms with class

The winemaking tradition in Italian Lombardy dates back to prehistoric times. Archaeological finds from the Bronze Age prove that viticulture was already practiced in the first human settlements along lakes such as Lake Garda and Lake Iseo. The Etruscans and later the Romans brought advanced techniques to the region, which consolidated viticulture. In Roman literature, Lombardy is mentioned by authors such as Pliny and Virgil, which underlines its importance as a wine region.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, viticulture initially stagnated. It was not until the early Middle Ages that it experienced a renaissance thanks to monastic agriculture. Monasteries such as San Colombano invested in the cultivation of vines in order to produce mass wine and strengthen the local economy. In the 16th century, French techniques influenced the production of rosé wines and storable red wines.

Lombardy wines: phylloxera catastrophe and industrialization

In the early 19th century, the phylloxera catastrophe also hit Lombardy hard. Many indigenous grape varieties were destroyed, which had a considerable impact on viticulture. The region slowly recovered with industrialization. New technologies and grape varieties were introduced, which improved the quality of the wines.

In the 20th century, Lombardy experienced an upswing due to economic investment, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it is one of Italy's leading wine regions with internationally recognized wines such as Franciacorta and Lugana.

Lombardy wine: Good to know

Lombardy: Geography, climate and soils

Lombardy is located in the north of Italy and stretches from the Alps to the Po Valley. It borders on regions such as Piedmont, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. The landscape is diverse: Alpine mountain ranges dominate in the north, while fertile plains prevail in the south.

The climate is predominantly continental with hot summers and cold winters. The large lakes such as Lake Garda and Lake Iseo create a mild microclimate that is particularly conducive to viticulture. At higher altitudes, cool winds ensure that the grapes ripen slowly.

The soils vary greatly depending on the region. In the north, dolomite rock and glacial deposits characterize the terroir, while clay and limestone soils predominate in the south. This diversity enables the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties.

Lombardy wines and their protected designations of origin

15 protected geographical indications (PGI) and a total of 26 protected designations of origin (PDO) can be found in Lombardy. The protected designations of origin are divided into 21 DOCs (Denominazione di origine controllata) and five DOCGs (Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita):

Influence of the topography on Lombardy wines

Lombardy is characterized by a varied landscape that stretches from the Alps in the north to the Po Valley in the south. This diversity influences the distribution of the wine-growing regions:

• Alpine regions: In the north, particularly in the Valtellina valley, the vines are grown on steep slopes in terraces. These southern slopes benefit from optimal sunlight and good drainage thanks to calcareous soils.
• Lakescapes: Around the large lakes such as Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Iseo, there is a mild microclimate that favors viticulture. The morainic hills south of the lakes offer ideal conditions for growing white and sparkling wines.
• Po Valley: The southern part of Lombardy is flatter and more fertile, but is mainly used for other agricultural purposes. Viticulture here is concentrated in hilly areas such as the Oltrepò Pavese.

Wine styles from Lombardy

It would be going too far at this point to list all the different wine styles produced in Lombardy. The variety is indeed enormous. Nevertheless, we would like to mention the most important wines with a protected designation of origin.

White wine

Lugana is made from the Turbiana grape. It is characterized by its fresh acidity, floral notes and mineral structure. The growing area is located on the southern shore of Lake Garda, where the mild microclimate offers ideal conditions.

Red wine

• Garda DOC: This appellation includes red wines from varieties such as Corvina, Rondinella and Sangiovese, as well as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are fruity with a slight spiciness.
• Oltrepò Pavese: This region south of the Po is known for its Barbera and Croatina-based wines. They are powerful with intense fruit aromas.
• Botticino: Full-bodied red wines from Barbera, Marzemino and Sangiovese are produced here.
• Rosso di Valtellina: These Nebbiolo wines (locally called Chiavennasca) are elegant with fine tannins and complex aromas of red fruits.

Rosé wine

Valtènesi rosé wines are mainly made from Groppello grapes. They are light, fresh and characterized by aromas of berries.

Sparkling wine

• Franciacorta: Lombardy's most famous sparkling wine is produced using the traditional method. Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco form the basis for these elegant wines.
• Lambrusco Mantovano: This fruity sparkling wine is made from Lambrusco grapes.
• Oltrepò Pavese Spumante Metodo Classico: Pinot Nero is the main grape variety for high-quality sparkling wines here.
• Lugana Spumante: This sparkling wine from Turbiana offers a fresh alternative to Franciacorta, but is quite rare.

Sweet wine

• Moscato di Scanzo: A rare red dessert wine with aromas of cherries, spices and chocolate.
• Sangue di Giuda dell'Oltrepò Pavese: A sweet red wine made from Barbera, Croatina and Uva Rara grapes with intense fruity aromas.

Lombardy: Wines in detail

Lombardy: Wine as an economic factor

Viticulture is an important economic factor in Lombardy. With an annual production of around 1.3 million hectoliters, it makes a significant contribution to the regional economy. The export of high-quality wines such as Franciacorta strengthens the region's international reputation.

It is worthwhile for specialist wine merchants to include wines from Lombardy in their range, as they offer an impressive variety - from elegant sparkling wines to red wines with a strong character and unique sweet wines. Their high quality paired with a strong price-performance ratio makes them attractive to a wide audience.

Your sales arguments for wines from Lombardy

• Enormous range of different wines
• Very well-known wines such as Lugana, Franciacorta (sparkling wine) and Lambrusco
• Largely very good value for money
• Every quality level is catered for
• Very good accompaniment to food - not only to Italian dishes