![]() While in Oltrepò Pavese, don’t miss the gorgeous Certosa di Pavia (located a few miles from Pavia town), a Gothic-Renaissance monastery with an amazing art collection. Lightly sparkling (Frizzante) red wines are made with Bonarda, Buttafuoco, and Barbera grapes. For the sparkling wines made here (Spumante Metodo Classico), Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero, and Chardonnay are used. The Croatina, Uva Rara, and Pinot Nero grapes are used in the region’s red and rosé wines as well as the local lightly sweet and frothy “Sangue di Giuda” (“Judas’s Blood”- local lore is that it was named by local friars who found the effects of the aphrodisiacal wine far too naughty). The Po River flows through this region and is another reason why winemaking flourished here as this main river was a significant asset for trade. Having sampled several varieties, I can say that some are better than others. With close to 10 years of experience transporting a variety of traveling clients, from celebrities, to corporate executives, brides and grooms and everyday travelers in Phoenix, we have the experience and wherewithal to get you from where you are to where you want to be on time. This store-brand sometimes goes by the name, Two-Buck Chuck, because of its low price. The main town is Pavia, and the main wine hamlet is Santa Maria Della Versa. Discover the largest selection of wine and spirits in Calgary, including tasty craft beers, scotch, liquors, brandy and more Co-op Wine Spirits Beer. Trader Joe’s Charles Shaw Blend wines sell for as little as 1.99 per bottle in some locations (2.99 near us). ![]() This region was ruled for centuries by the House of Savoy, who also ruled Piedmont, and in fact, many winemaking practices are similar. Oltrepò Pavese is the wine region closest to Milan and is considered the most traditional winegrowing area in Lombardy. There is even an olive oil museum in Cisano del Garda. You can visit many of the olive mills and learn about the process. Olive oil made on the shores of the Garda and Iseo lakes is particularly prized in Italy. Famous local recipes include Risotto Milanese (with saffron) and Ossobucco. Lombardy is a significant gourmet epicenter with the highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants in Italy, and many famous and cherished foods such as Bresaola, Panettone, Taleggio and Gorgonzola cheeses, Polenta and Mostarda. Landscapes range from lakeside Grand Tour villas and lush gardens to the Valchiavenna and Valtellina’s Alpine scenery. Lombardy is blessed with spectacular lakes, from chic Lake Como to exuberant Lake Garda to darling Lake Iseo and peaceful Lake Maggiore. The main center of commerce is bustling Milan, and the region has an array of beautiful “art cities,” including medieval Bergamo, Cremona (home of the violin where Stradivarius had his workshop), and Mantova (famous for its literary festival). Nestled in Italy’s northwest, Lombardy is situated just below Switzerland and to the northeast of Piemonte. Perhaps one of the most ironic things about the wine of Italy’s Lombardy (Lombardia) region is that while this area is the industrial powerhouse of the country, you will find some of the most artisan, small production wines made here and surprising pockets of beautiful unspoiled wine country.
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