From north to south: a mosaic of territories and traditions
Our selection of Lombardy red wines represents a fascinating journey through one of Italy's most diverse wine-producing regions, where vastly different microclimates and terroirs create an extraordinarily rich oenological mosaic. Lombardy's wine-growing region stretches from the steep Alpine terraces of Valtellina, with its elegant Nebbiolo wines, to the rolling hills of Oltrepò Pavese, the kingdom of Barbera, Bonarda and Pinot Noir; from the shores of Lake Garda with its Mediterranean microclimate to the morainic soils of Franciacorta and the plains of Oltrepò Mantovano. This geological and climatic diversity translates into profoundly different winemaking styles, yet united by a production approach that combines respect for tradition and the pursuit of excellence. Our collection showcases both the historic producers who have defined the identity of Lombardy's appellations and the new generation of winemakers who are reinterpreting this heritage with a contemporary sensibility. Each bottle tells not only the story of a grape variety or a territory, but also the history of a region where quality viticulture has managed to maintain a strong identity, resisting homogenising trends and rediscovering the value of native biodiversity.
Valtellina: Alpine Nebbiolo and heroic viticulture
The oenological jewel of northern Lombardy is undoubtedly Valtellina, where Nebbiolo (locally called Chiavennasca) finds one of its most elegant and refined expressions. On steep terraces supported by over 2,500 km of dry stone walls, at altitudes of up to 700 metres, a Nebbiolo with an unmistakable profile is born, characterised by extraordinary aromatic finesse, silky tannins and a vibrant freshness that reflects the Alpine influence. Our selection explores the richness of the different sub-zones (Sassella, Grumello, Inferno, Valgella and Maroggia), each with distinctive soil and climate characteristics that impart unique nuances to the grape variety. From the more immediate and fruity Valtellina Superiore wines to the Sforzati, obtained by partially drying the grapes, which gives them concentration and complexity without sacrificing elegance and territoriality. Particular attention is paid to the Reserves of the best producers, wines of extraordinary longevity that evolve over decades, developing fascinating tertiary notes of spices, undergrowth and minerals. Our collection celebrates both the more traditional interpretations, with long ageing in large oak barrels, and the more modern versions that focus on greater immediacy and accessibility, thus offering a complete overview of the potential of this extraordinary Alpine terroir.
Oltrepò Pavese: biodiversity and character between hills and plains
Oltrepò Pavese, Italy's third largest wine-growing area, is the other major centre of Lombardy's wine industry, with an extraordinarily rich variety of grape varieties. Our selection highlights the different souls of this territory, from the highest hills where Pinot Noir finds ideal conditions for both red and sparkling versions, to the warmer areas where Barbera and Croatina (the basis of Bonarda) reach perfect ripeness. Barbera dell'Oltrepò stands out for its fruity profile, characteristic vibrant acidity and medium structure, which makes it extremely versatile at the table. Bonarda, produced mainly from Croatina, represents the essence of local tradition with its lively character, notes of crisp red fruits and slight effervescence, making it the ideal companion for Pavia's cured meats. Our collection includes both the more traditional versions of these wines, which maintain a strong link with the local farming culture, and more ambitious interpretations, such as Barbera Reserves and Oltrepò Pavese Rosso, blends of different varieties that aim to express the complexity of the territory. There is no shortage of interesting expressions of lesser-known but highly distinctive grape varieties such as Uva Rara, Vespolina and Moradella, native varieties that some enlightened producers are rediscovering and promoting.
From Franciacorta to Garda: little gems between two lakes
In addition to the two major centres of Valtellina and Oltrepò, our selection also explores the fascinating expressions of reds produced in other Lombardy wine-growing areas. From Franciacorta, famous for its sparkling wines but also offering interesting reds from Cabernet Franc, Carmenère (locally called “Bordolese”) and Nebbiolo, to the wines of Valcalepio, where Bordeaux-inspired blends find a unique territorial expression thanks to the area's particular calcareous soils. From Lake Garda, with the San Martino della Battaglia appellation and its interpretations of Groppello, Marzemino and Sangiovese, which benefit from the microclimate mitigated by the presence of the lake; to the reds of Mantua, with the characteristic Lambrusco Mantovano and local interpretations of Ancellotta and Merlot. Our collection also includes rare productions from lesser-known appellations such as Botticino, Capriano del Colle and Cellatica, small oenological gems that testify to the extraordinary diversity of Lombardy's wine heritage.
Lombardy's red wines are now one of the most interesting and varied expressions of the Italian wine scene, with an offering that ranges from the great ageing wines of Valtellina, capable of competing with the most celebrated Nebbiolos of Piedmont, to the more immediate and convivial wines of Oltrepò, passing through rare territorial expressions that deserve to be rediscovered. Each bottle in our selection tells the story not only of a grape variety or production technique, but also of the very essence of a territory where viticulture has developed over the centuries as an authentic expression of different cultures and traditions, creating a heritage of extraordinary richness that is now being promoted with a renewed awareness of quality.
