Lombardy Red Wines: A Journey Through Northern Italy's Hidden Gems
The red wines of Lombardy represent some of Italy's most fascinating yet often overlooked treasures. From the steep terraced vineyards of Valtellina to the rolling hills of Oltrepò Pavese, this prestigious region offers an impressive array of reds that deserve a place in every wine enthusiast's cellar.
The Crown Jewel: Valtellina
The alpine territory of Valtellina stands as Lombardy's most celebrated red wine district. Here, Nebbiolo (locally known as Chiavennasca) reigns supreme, producing elegant wines that rival their more famous Piedmontese cousins. The Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG, made from partially dried grapes, delivers intense, full-bodied wines with remarkable complexity, while Valtellina Superiore DOCG offers refined expressions with notes of wild berries, roses, and distinctive mineral undertones.
Oltrepò Pavese: The Rising Star
For many years, Oltrepò Pavese has been wrongly associated with high-quantity, and thus low-quality, wines. However, things never were that simple. Historically, the Oltrepò area has been producing Metodo classico since the first vines were planted, and today the regionm is making waves with its exceptional Pinot Noir productions, both as still reds and base wines for metodo classico sparkling wines. The region's Bonarda, made from the Croatina grape, offers a more approachable style with juicy dark fruit flavours and soft tannins – perfect for everyday enjoyment.
Beyond the Classics
While Valtellina and Oltrepò Pavese lead the charge, other Lombardy areas like Cellatica and San Colombano al Lambro produce characterful reds worth exploring. Indigenous varieties like Barbera, Marzemino, and Rossola add to the region's diverse viticultural landscape.
Food Pairing Excellence
Lombardy's red wines shine at the table. The robust Sforzato pairs magnificently with game and aged cheeses, while the elegant Valtellina Superiore complements regional specialities like pizzoccheri and bresaola. The lighter Bonarda makes an ideal match for salumi and risotto alla Milanese.
Our Selection
At Tannico, we've carefully curated a selection of Lombardy's finest red wines, from prestigious producers like Ar.Pe.Pe., Nino Negri, and Travaglino. Whether you're seeking a collectible Sforzato or an everyday Bonarda, our range represents the best of what this remarkable region has to offer.
Browse our collection to discover why Lombardy's red wines are capturing the attention of wine lovers worldwide. From historic estates to emerging producers, each bottle tells a story of tradition, innovation, and exceptional terroir.
