Lombardy

1. Overview

Lombardy is a large wine region in northern Italy with very diverse styles.
It is home to:

• Valtellina – Alpine Nebbiolo
• Franciacorta – top traditional-method sparkling wines
• Oltrepò Pavese – major Pinot Noir area
• Lugana – mineral white wines from Turbiana

2. Climate & Landscape

• Alpine mountains in the north → cool nights, long ripening.
• Lakes (Garda, Iseo, Como) help moderate temperatures.
• Soils vary widely: granite and schist in Valtellina, glacial moraines in Franciacorta, clay-limestone in Oltrepò and Lugana.

3. Key Grapes

Red Grapes

• Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca) – Valtellina; light colour but structured.
• Pinot Nero – still and sparkling wines.
• Barbera, Croatina – Oltrepò Pavese blends.

White Grapes

• Turbiana – Lugana DOC; mineral, ageworthy.
• Chardonnay and Pinot Nero – Franciacorta base wines.
• Pinot Bianco – also important in Franciacorta.

4. Major Regions

• Valtellina: steep Alpine terraces; elegant Nebbiolo.
• Franciacorta: Champagne-style sparkling; long lees ageing.
• Oltrepò Pavese: large Pinot Nero zone; Metodo Classico DOCG.
• Lugana: structured, mineral whites.

5. Summary

Lombardy produces mountain reds, world-class sparkling wines, and textured whites.
Its mix of Alpine influence, lake zones, and varied soils makes it one of Italy’s most diverse wine regions.