Lombardy is one of our great wine regions but it is not the first that comes to mind when thinking of Italian viticulture. Perhaps it is because of its very lively industrial soul, perhaps because there is still a long way to go to truly valorise Lombard wines.
But what are the characteristics and curiosities that define Lombard viticulture?
1. The origin of Lombard viticulture is very ancient : in Lake Garda there are remains of vitis vinifera from the Iron Age.
2. Keyword, variety: 5 DOCGs from Lombardy (Franciacorta DOCG, Valtellina Superiore DOCG, Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, Moscato di Scanzo DOCG, Sfursat di Valtellina DOCG), 22 DOCs .
3. And Valtellina is the only Italian wine-growing region to boast two Controlled and Guaranteed Designations of Origin in the same production area.
4. Vine cultivation was once very widespread in Lombardy, while today it is much less so and is only maintained in the most suitable areas . From the 1950s to today, there has been a contraction in the areas under vines and Lombardy has taken the path of quality by sacrificing quantity (the excessive diffusion of viticulture achieved up until the end of the 19th century had also affected areas not suitable for supplying wines of excellence).
5. Agricultural Societies and other similar organizations have been important in promoting more innovative research and technologies in the region, as well as more careful marketing of products.
6. In Lombardy the numerous native vines (Nebbiolo, here called Chiaennasca, Pignola Valtellinese, Rossola, Brugnola...) are cultivated together with grapes of other origins, which find the perfect conditions to grow here. Think of the pinot noir in Oltrepò Pavese.
7. The value of wine production per hectare in Lombardy is higher than the national figure, and this indicates an excellent ability of Lombard wines to find value on the market.
8. The three most important areas for Lombard wine: Franciacorta , Oltrepò Pavese - the largest area - the heroic viticulture of Valtellina .
9. The other Lombard wine areas are south of the Pre-Alps, in the provinces of Bergamo, Brescia and Mantua, near the lakes of Garda and Iseo. And then there is San Colombano , the only Milanese DOC, a small wine-growing area, with offshoots in the provinces of Milan, Lodi and Pavia.
10. Lambrusco Mantovano DOC is the largest of the Lombardy wine-growing areas located between Garda, Mincio and Po.
11. Franciacorta is a term that defines territory , production method and wine . In Europe, 10 denominations enjoy this privilege and only three require refermentation in the bottle: Cava, Champagne and Franciacorta, precisely.
12. And finally, a curiosity: Lombardy is the region that, more than any other, has been able to keep the tradition of grape festivals alive, even today.
