Lombardia

Recognised usually as the centre of Finance with its capital Milano, but it also is a powerhouse for wine production, Stretching from the Swiss border in the North to Mantova in the South East.

Similar to that of Piedmont, continental with cool winters and hot summers. The Alps in the North is also a major topographic influencer, as are the Appennines to the south (indeed this is where the Italian Backbone commences).

To the North of Milano one suddenly encounters the dramatic Alps where Lombardy's 2 wines of distinction are found: the Nebbiolo based Valtelina and the "Champagne" style Franciacorta (traditional method Spumante). The proximity of the Alps no doubt fundamental to the high quality of these wines. South of Milano a vast floodplain opens out until the very south of Lombardy where the Appennines (Italy's 2nd most important mountain range) start. Here quality winemaking begins with its particua;r idiosynracies and distinctiveness, especially for froathy, red, alcoholic, dry wines, drank with Milanese salame.

Are very mixed due to the vastly varying topography of the region. To the North the soils are poor, rocks are mixed with glacial deposits due to the vicinity of the Alps. To the south the soils are richer and more alluvial due to the proximity of the Po with its floodplain.

1.181.000 HL