01 / GEOGRAPHY
Topography and Growing Environment
In the north lies the mountain region Valtellina, south of Lake Iseo is Franciacorta, and south of the Po River is Oltrepò Pavese. Even within the region, locations can differ greatly. Using mountains, lakes, and rivers as markers helps distinguish each position.
LOCATION & LANDSCAPE
Location of Lombardy and internal differences within the region
Lombardy · Northwest
See the 20 regions on a map →Northern mountains
Terraced vineyards of Valtellina.
South of Lake Iseo
Franciacorta. A region producing sparkling wines with traditional bottle fermentation.
South of the Po River
Oltrepò Pavese.
The circles on the map mark representative locations within a state. They do not indicate state boundaries, appellation zones, or planted area. Section topics compare the regions discussed in the main text.Main text source / Topography:Natural Earth
02 / HISTORY
Historical and regional background
In Valtellina, grapes are grown on terraced vineyards built on steep slopes. In contrast, Franciacorta has developed as a region known for bottle-fermented sparkling wine. The labor of maintaining vineyards and the development of winemaking techniques support distinctive winemaking in each region.
03 / GRAPES & APPELLATIONS
Main varieties and appellations
Principal varieties
- Nebbiolo
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Nero
- Groppello
Representative appellations and regional names
- Valtellina Superiore DOCG
- Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG
- Franciacorta DOCG
- Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG
Representative items are listed. This is not a complete list of all grape varieties and appellations in the region. For detailed appellation types and current regulations, consult official sources.
04 / A CLOSER LOOK
Varieties and Appellation Comparison
Chiavennasca is the local name for Nebbiolo in Valtellina, Sforzato refers to wine made from dried grapes, and Franciacorta refers to the method of bottle fermentation. Each name conveys something different: variety, winemaking process involving dried fruit, or region and method. Keeping these roles in mind prevents confusion.
From the grape name Chiavennasca, can you tell whether the grapes were dried?
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Nebbiolo: Comparing the hills of Langhe and the vineyards of the Alps →
Sources and reference materials
These are the sources used for the regional explanation and the EU register of geographical indications. For detailed production requirements, refer to the official documents for each appellation in the register.
- Lombardy Tourist Board｜Wineries and regions ↗
- European Commission | Official register of geographical indications ↗