Lombardia

Lombardia

The economic heart of Italy, home to Milan, turns out to be home to a surprisingly varied wine landscape as well.

In Valtellina, Nebbiolo - known here as Chiavennasca - grows on terraces clinging to Alpine cliffs, giving wines of such poise and transparency that they are called the Barolo of the mountains. On the lakeside at Franciacorta, meanwhile, generations have honed a bottle-fermented spumante spoken of in the same breath as Champagne.

Pinot Nero from the Oltrepò Pavese, fresh whites from the shores of Lake Garda: flavours shaped by a terroir of glacial lakes and mountains, and by the food culture of sophisticated Milan. Elegance is the word that suits them.

A grown-up selection for anyone who wants to know how deep northern Italy really runs.