Lombardy

Although Lombardy is the fourth largest Italian region, only 10% of its territory is suitable for growing vines. Due to its highly developed industry, there are only a few wine-growing areas that are very far apart. Despite this handicap, Lombardy is home to the most famous and best Italian sparkling wine made using the traditional champenoise method, Franciacorta. Franciacorta is the first Italian appellation exclusively related to sparkling wine made by this method. The only varieties allowed for its production are Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero, which are grown south of Lake Iseo.

The second wine-growing area where quality wines are produced is Lake Garda (Valtènesi and Lugana areas) with a typical Mediterranean climate, where olive and citrus trees thrive alongside vines. Two of the most famous Lombard grape varieties are grown here, Groppello, which is the basis of the rosé wine Chiaretto, and Turbiana, from which white Lugana DOC is made.

The Valtellina area is also prized for its stunning steep terraced vineyards with snowy peaks in the background, where full-bodied aromatic red wine Sfurzat is made from Nebbiolo grapes that are left to dry for several weeks.