Pinot Noir, Lombardy
From a genetic point of view, DNA analyzes have confirmed pinot noir, pinot blanc and pinot gris are not three different grape varieties, but simply three different clones of the same variety. Pinot is one of the most ancient grapes ever and for this reason it is not surprising the presence of biotypes, which have differentiated over the centuries due to spontaneous mutations. Most likely it is a grape which was domesticated in ancient times in the central eastern area of France and which still today has its cradle of choice in Burgundy.
In Italy, pinot noir is present above all in Trentino Alto Adige and Oltrepò Pavese, although there is no lack of vineyards in Piedmont, especially in Alta Langa for the production of sparkling wine bases and in Friuli Venezia Giulia. It is a very delicate grape, with small, compact clusters and tight berries. It loves cool, breezy exposures with temperatures that are not too high and prefers soils with calcareous components.
The wine has a light ruby red color, almost transparent. The aromatic profile is of extreme finesse, with notes of small berries. The taste is fresh, rich and persistent, with delicate tannins and pleasant freshness. It is a red wine that excels for refined elegance.
Limited production in terms of quantity, but a great variety of territories and wines. This is what characterizes the winemaking reality of Lombardy, which presents very different productions thanks to a remarkable heterogeneity of the environments, from the mountains to the hills, from the plains to the lakes.
From the great reds of Valtellina to the sparkling wines of Franciacorta and Oltrepò, Lombardy is home to nationally renowned appellations and smaller lesser-known appellations. In this region national and international grapes coexist, giving life to wine products more or less linked to the territory, but always united by a great quality.