Late September Sirmione at sunset on a drizzly day in Lombardy, Italy during WMC 2022; the remains of a Roman Villa built 2000 years ago: the so-called Grottoes of Catullus, the biggest villa in northern Italy and the town are a must visit should you go to Lombardy.

Lugana, Franciacorta, Oltrepo’ Pavese, Valtellina, Lambrusco, Chiaretto– these are just a few of the many wines from Lombardy, located in the northern part of Italy, and home to Milan, the second largest city in Italy after Rome. Archaeological research shows fossilized records from the third millennium which indicate ancient tribes cultivated grapes there. Bronze Age fossils from the region show Vinifera, the Latin name for the family of grapes we make wine with today.  

In Lombardy, home to numerous castles like Sirmione’s Rocca Scaliger Castle and 90 UNESCO cultural sites, grapes grow in steep hillsides in the Alps in Valtellina, around the glacier lakes, and in the hills. On fertile flat plains along the Po, rice abounds. 

Located between Piedmonte to the the west, Trento to the east, and Veneto to the southeast, Lombardy has several key appellations you should get to know like Valtellina’s Nebbiolo.

Valtellina’s Nebbiolo  during harvest early October 2022; one side of the valley is in complete shade for months of the year!

In December, I’m hosting the Italian FWT group who will introduce you to a few of them! This year, we’ve worked our way up from Sicily and for the final month of the year, we’re in Lombardy! You’re invited to join us on our journey with an article of your own– Continue reading →