While the wines of Lombardy aren't as hyped as other Italian wines, the northern Italian region bottles some fine vino. Franciacorta, considered to be Italy's finest sparkling wine made from the classic Champagne making method, is made in Lombardy.
Lombardy as a whole is a mosaic of around 30,000 hectares (74,132 acres), ranging from the alpine terraces of Valtellina in the north to the Oltrepò, Pavia, and Mantua hills, situated south of Milan, to Lake Garda and the aforementioned Franciacorta, both west of the Lombard capital.
Each district has its own particularities and production quality, and the region itself holds five DOCGs and 23 DOCs. The Franciacorta Metodo Classico sparkling wines are excellent, but Oltrepò also puts forth some noteworthy bubblies (as well as still wines) from Pinot Noir grapes.
The top reds hail from Valtellina, where they're crafted from Nebbiolo grapes, which are known locally as Chiavennasca, while the top whites come from the white clay of Lake Garda, under the Lugana DOC. The interesting rosé wines of Valtènesi, also on Lake Garda, are made from Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera, and Sangiovese grapes.
According to tradition, sparkling reds such as Bonarda dell'Oltrepò Pavese and Lambrusco Mantua are uncorked alongside fatty meat dishes, while festive meals end with Moscato di Scanzo della Bergamasca, a rare red passito that can age for decades.
Here's a look at five of the finest wines of Lombardy.
Ca 'Maiol Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico Chiaretto Roseri, 2020
This fragrant rosé with a taste marked by sapidity is excellent in combination with oven-baked whitefish, known locally as lavarello, a variety that swims in Lake Como and the other Northren Italian lakes. website
Berlucchi Franciacorta Nature '61 2013
Sixty years ago, Berlucchi set the wines of Franciacorta on their current path. This fresh bubbly wine has aromas of yeast, flowers, and toast. Enjoy it with bread, butter, and anchovies. website
Nino Negri Valtellina Superiore Grumello Sassorosso 2017
A noble and vibrant red, this wine is a superb expression of the Nebbiolo grape grown in the Grumello sub-area. Have it with grilled steak. website
Count Vistarino Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Nero Bertone, 2017
This elegant and balsamic red boasts strong character and flavors of spices, small red fruit, and cocoa. Couple it with sausage risotto and porcini mushrooms. website
Marangona Lugana Marangona 2019
This highly drinkable white wine best represents the DOC near Lake Garda. It ages extremely well so it's fine to let it sit in the cellar for a few years. Have it with a shrimp cocktail. website
Cover photo: Sunlight in the vineyards during spring in Bianzone, Valtellina. (credit: Getty Images)