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'''Lombardy''' (Italian: ''Lombardia'', [lomˈbardja]) is a major [[wine]] region in northern [[Italy]]. It is best known for producing the [[traditional method]] [[sparkling wine|sparkling wines]] of [[Franciacorta]], the Alpine reds of Valtellina, and a wide range of styles from the [[Oltrepò Pavese]] area. The region’s vineyards benefit from diverse landscapes, ranging from Alpine [[terrace|terraces]] to the plains of the River Po.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref>

== Background ==
[[Viticulture]] in Lombardy has roots in antiquity, with evidence of grape growing from [[Roman times]]. Its geography, bordered by [[Switzerland]] to the north and surrounded by lakes such as Garda and Iseo, creates a wide range of mesoclimates.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', 2015.</ref> The contrasting conditions of the [[Alpine valleys]] and fertile plains have long shaped the development of local wine traditions.

== Wine regions and characteristics ==
The region is divided into several important zones:  

* [[Franciacorta]], near Lake Iseo, is recognised for its high-quality sparkling wines made by the [[metodo classico]]. The area was granted [[DOCG]] status in 1995, marking it as one of Italy’s leading sparkling wine appellations.<ref>Consorzio Franciacorta, franciacorta.net.</ref>  

* [[Valtellina]], in the north near the Alps, is planted largely with [[Nebbiolo]] (locally called Chiavennasca). Steep, terraced vineyards produce elegant reds, including the dried-grape wine [[Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG]].<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref>  

* [[Oltrepò Pavese]], south of the River Po, is one of Italy’s most extensive [[vineyard]] areas. It is notable for [[Pinot Noir]] production, used both in still wines and in sparkling wines under the [[Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG]].<ref>Scienza, ''Atlante dei vini d’Italia: Lombardia'', Touring Editore, 2011.</ref>  

Other zones include [[Lugana]] on the border with [[Veneto]], producing white wines from [[Turbiana]], and [[San Colombano al Lambro]], one of Italy’s smallest DOCs.

== Grape varieties ==
Lombardy grows both international and local grape varieties. [[Nebbiolo]], particularly in Valtellina, is central to its identity. In Franciacorta, [[Chardonnay]], [[Pinot Noir]] and [[Pinot Bianco]] dominate sparkling [[wine production]]. In the Oltrepò Pavese, Pinot Noir is especially prominent, alongside [[Barbera]], [[Croatina]] and [[Riesling Italico]].<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', 2015.</ref> This diversity reflects the varying climates and soils across the region.

== Wine styles ==
The most renowned style is traditional-method sparkling wine from Franciacorta, which has gained international recognition. Still red wines from Valtellina display finesse and ageing potential, while Oltrepò Pavese offers both sparkling and robust reds. The region thus presents a broad spectrum of Italian wine styles, balancing Alpine freshness with richness from the plains.

== See also ==
* [[Italy]]  
* [[Franciacorta]]  
* [[Nebbiolo]]  
* [[Sparkling wine]]  

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Wine regions of Italy]]
[[Category:Wine regions]]