FAST FACTS TOTAL AREA: GRAPE VARIETIES: Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca), Moscato Bianco, Rebo, Merlot, Corvina, Croatina, Gropello TOTAL WINE PRODUCTION: 1,183 hl APPELLATIONS: Rosso di Valtellina DOC, Valtellina Superiore DOCG, Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG, Garda DOC, Provincia di Pavia IGT PRODUCERS CENTORRI, TENUTA SCERSCÉ

OVERVIEW

Lombardy is one of the largest regions in Italy, yet its name is not as well known as some other regions of Italy. Nevertheless, its capital Milan is one of the main gateways to Italy for Americans, and its lake district—particularly Lake Como—is a favorite destination for tourists. Lombardy (Lombardia in Italian) is a prosperous, energetic region that holds many treasures for visitors and for wine lovers.

Lombardy’s most-planted grape variety is Croatina, a red variety that’s not well known on export markets. Its other major grape varieties are either international varieties (Pinot Nero, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) or Piedmont-associated varieties (Barbera, Nebbiolo, Moscato Bianco). Though small in proportion to most of those other grape varieties, a potential future signature grape for the region is Groppello, a red variety used to make pink wines near Lake Garda.