Discover Franciacorta sparkling wines and alpine Valtellina
Lombardy represents Italian winemaking sophistication, producing some of the country's finest sparkling wines alongside exceptional still wines from alpine valleys. This northern region, encompassing Milan's fashion capital and Lake Como's stunning landscapes, creates wines of remarkable elegance and precision.
Lombardy's wine excellence stems from diverse terroir, from the hillsides of Franciacorta DOCG to the terraced vineyards of Valtellina Superiore DOCG. The region combines modern winemaking techniques with deep respect for tradition, producing wines that compete with the world's best.
Lombardy boasts prestigious DOCG denominations representing the pinnacle of quality:
The region's DOC classifications showcase diverse styles:
Franciacorta produces Italy's most prestigious traditional method sparkling wines. Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc, these wines undergo secondary fermentation in bottle and extensive aging on lees.
Quality levels:
- Franciacorta: Minimum 18 months aging
- Franciacorta Satèn: Creamy, lower pressure blanc de blancs
- Franciacorta Rosé: Elegant pink sparklers
- Franciacorta Riserva: Minimum 60 months aging for exceptional complexity
- Franciacorta Millesimato: Vintage-dated wines from exceptional years
The Valtellina valley produces unique expressions of Nebbiolo grown on steep alpine terraces. The challenging terrain and continental climate create wines with:
- Elegant structure and refined tannins
- Bright acidity from cool nights
- Alpine herb and mountain flower aromatics
- Exceptional aging potential in Superiore and Sforzato styles
Key sub-zones of Valtellina Superiore:
- Grumello
- Inferno
- Sassella
- Valgella
- Maroggia
The moderating influence of northern Italian lakes creates ideal conditions for elegant white wines, particularly Lugana from Turbiana grapes along Lake Garda's southern shore.
Lombardy wines complement the region's rich, butter-laden cuisine:
Located between Brescia and Lake Iseo, this compact zone benefits from:
- Glacial moraine soils with excellent drainage
- Lake Iseo's moderating microclimate
- Varied exposures creating complexity
- Cool nights preserving acidity
This alpine valley near the Swiss border features:
- Steep, south-facing terraced vineyards
- Glacier-influenced continental climate
- Rocky, well-drained soils
- Heroic viticulture on dramatic slopes
- Altitude ranging from 300-800 meters
South of Pavia, this extensive zone produces:
- Excellent Pinot Noir for still and sparkling wines
- Traditional varieties like Croatina and Barbera
- Diverse microclimates from Apennine foothills
The southern shores produce:
- Lugana whites with lake influence
- Fresh, mineral-driven character
Top Lombardy wines develop remarkable complexity with proper cellaring:
Many Lombard producers embrace organic and sustainable practices, particularly important in protecting the Alpine ecosystem of Valtellina and the glacial moraine soils of Franciacorta. Look for organic certifications supporting environmentally responsible winemaking.
Over the past 50 years, Franciacorta transformed from obscure farming region to Italy's sparkling wine capital. The denomination's strict regulations ensure quality:
- 100% estate-grown grapes
- Traditional method (metodo classico) production
- Extended aging requirements
- Prohibition of "metodo classico" terminology elsewhere in Italy (Franciacorta reserved the term)
This quality focus has positioned Franciacorta alongside Champagne as one of the world's finest sparkling wine regions.
Lombardy represents Italian winemaking at its most sophisticated, from the world-class sparkling wines of Franciacorta to the elegant alpine expressions of Valtellina. The region combines cutting-edge techniques with respect for tradition, creating wines of exceptional precision and remarkable aging potential.
Explore our complete collection of Lombardy wines to discover northern Italy's most elegant wine region.