The grape harvest is nearing completion, it is the end of September, and we were 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 attended WMC22 (Wine Media Conference 2022), which took 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 rested before heading onto Desenzanzo.
During the conference (September 29-October 2, 2022) we focused on getting to know the wines from Lombardy's wine region.
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 for its other wines, like Pinot Nero. 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 were 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. Our understanding is that maybe in the future.
WMC22 (Wine Media Conference 2022), Desenzano del Garda
The town, 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. Sirmione, located on a peninsula that juts into the lake, is also a great location to checkout.
The WMC22 took place at the Hotel Acquaviva in Desenzano. Our Italian host was
ASCOVILO (Associazione Consorzi Vini Lombardi), an umbrella association that represents 13 different winery associations in Lombardy. Ascovilo had 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 took a post-conference excursion to Oltrepo Pavese. Future posts on Oltrepo Pavese are forth coming.
Remembering Franciacorta, 2011
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| The glasses are ready at Villa Franciacorta © Spaswinefood |
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| So are the Franciacortas nicely chilled © Spaswinefood |
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| A Tenute La Montina at the front © Spaswinefood |
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| Which one would you like to taste? © Spaswinefood |
As we return to Italy, to further explore the Lombardy Wine Region, We invite you to join us in our wine travels in Italy and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. We are so looking forward to sharing our vine-filled explorations in Lombardia.
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