Off to Italy's Lombardia: To check out the wines, of course

It is harvest time, the end of September, and we are off to Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, one of northern Italy’s premier tourist destinations. The lake borders on the provinces of Lombardia (Lombardy) and Veneto. There we will attend WMC22 (Wine Media Conference 2022), which will take place in the Hotel Acquaviva in Desenzano del Garda, a small town on the lake’s southern shore. Desenzanzo, along with its sister city Sirmione, are the best known destinations on the lake. Let us not forget Italy's second-largest city (Milan), the regional capital, where we will our touch down before heading onto Desenzanzo. During the conference we will focus on getting to know the wines from Lombardy's wine region.

September Vines © Spaswinefood

The Grapes are Off to the Tank © Spaswinefood

 

Off to the Lombardy Wine Region

A large and geographically complex region, Lombardy has 5 DOCG , 21 DOC and 15 IGP titles. Lombardy is home to handful of popular and well-known wine styles including the bright, cherry-scented Valtellina and the high-quality sparkling wine of Franciacorta and Oltrepo Pavese Metodo Classico. The Oltrepo Pavese zone stands out among these as one of the larger, better-known regions, not only for its sparkling Oltrepo Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG, but more recently for its Pinot Grigio, which since 2008 has had its own independent DOC (Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Grigio). Franciacorta, the second of Lombardy's two sparkling DOCG wines, is from the rapidly developing and well-regarded vineyards between Brescia and Lake Iseo. One of the regions we explored in 2011 was Franciacorta; so we are very happy to return.

NOTE: Franciacorta is not a part of ASCOVILO (Associazione Consorzi Vini Lombardi), an umbrella association that represents 13 different winery associations in Lombardy, which partnered with WMC22 in hosting the conference. My understanding is that it maybe in the future.

WMC22 (Wine Media Conference 2022), Desenzano del Garda

Desenzanzo, has an historic center near the port, which was once the strategic heart of this trading town. The small streets are a great place to walk and explore. Moreover, you can walk the lake shore to the lighthouse on the other side of the port. Also, in the old town is the Castello di Desenzano del Garda (castle), which overlooks the town and has some of the best views of Lake Garda. The town has a long promenade along Lake Garda, which runs from the port to our hotel. There are also multiple beaches to enjoy. If time permits we will also explore Sirmione. It is located on a peninsula that juts into the lake, about 6.5 kilometers from our hotel.

The WMC22 will take place at the Hotel Acquaviva in Desenzano. Our Italian host will be

ASCOVILO (Associazione Consorzi Vini Lombardi), an umbrella association that represents 13 different winery associations in Lombardy. Ascovilo will have a strong presence at the conference, sponsoring Friday excursions and the two Live Wine Social events. In addition, there will be pre-conference and post-conference excursions. We will be taking a post-conference excursion to Oltrepo Pavese.

Remembering Franciacorta, 2011

As we head out the door, I remember so well that my wine adventures began in this area in 2011. October 2011 I wrote this:

This week I leave California for Italy. My Spaswinefood travels will take me to Brescia, Italy for the European Wine Bloggers Conference 2011. Of course, I have checked the weather in Brescia. While I have read a little on Brescia's history (ancient era, middle ages and modern era) most of my research has been on wine. Yes, I must admit I spend lots of time on this.

Indeed ever since EWBC2011, my first wine media conference, we have not stopped exploring the wine regions of the world.

Villa Franciacorta, October 2011

The glasses are ready at Villa Franciacorta © Spaswinefood

So are the Franciacortas nicely chilled © Spaswinefood

A Tenute La Montina at the front © Spaswinefood

Which one would you like to taste? © Spaswinefood

Franciacorta, the second of Lombardy's two sparkling DOCG wines, as I noted is well-regarded for its wine. We will not forget to taste a few of those.

As we return to Italy, to further explore the Lombardy Wine Region, I invite you to join me in our wine travels in Italy and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to our vine-filled explorations in Lombardia. 

CHEERS!

Sharon & John

September 2022

Off to Lombardia 

© Spaswinefood

Harvest Awaits © Spaswinefood