Despite the rather busy impression of this most populous region of Italy around Milan, viticulture does not play a minor role. With around 1.6 million hectoliters from 26,951 hectares of vineyards, well-known regions such as Friuli or Umbria are clearly overshadowed. Due to its size and diversification, however, the region does not manage to build up a quality image such as that in Tuscany or Piedmont. The most important wine-growing regions in Lombardy are the Valtellina, Oltrèpo Pavese and Franciacorta.
The 5 DOCG wines
Franciacorta, Oltrepò Pavese metodo classico, Scanzo or Moscato di Scanzo, Sforzato di Valtellina or Sfursat di Valtellina, Valtellina Superiore. (As of 2018)
The DOCGs Franciacorta and Oltrepò Pavese metodo classico only apply to sparkling wines. The DOCG Valtellina Superiore may only bear this designation if it is made from at least 90 percent of the grape variety Nebbiolo (locally also called Chiavennasca) and comes from a clearly defined area. This includes the 5 sub-zones Sassella, Grumello, Inferno, Maroggia and Valgella. In 2007, the Oltrepo Pavese was only added as a sparkling wine using the Classico method and made white from the grape varieties Pinot Noir (at least 70%) and Chardonnay.