IGP Bergamasca

IGP Bergamasca is an appellation in the province of Bergamo, in Lombardy. It displays easy drinking wines for immediate consumption.

History/Origin

Viticulture in this area has been ongoing since the Roman Era. Pliny the Elder in fact talks about the wines from Bergamo in his works.
The appellation IGP Bergamasca is regulated and protected by the Consorzio Tutela Valcalepio. It was founded in 1976 by 22 members and today the wineries involved are 80. They have three denominations: Valcalepio DOC, Terre dei Colleoni DOC and the Bergamasco IGT

Grapes/Blends

The principal White Grape Varieties that can be used are Chardonnay, Manzoni Bianco, Moscato, Pinot Bianco, Pinot GrigioRiesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling (Riesling Italico). For the red and rose version, the grapes used are  Barbera, Cabernet Franc,  Sauvignon, Croatina, Franconia, Marzemino, Merlot, Moscato Nero, Pinot Nero, Rebo, Schiava.

Types of wines in the IGP Bergamasca Appellation

It can be made in five styles:
White,
Red,
Novello Red,
Red Moscato
and Rosè
Most of them are meant to be drunk young (within one year or two).
Sparkling wine is also made area in the traditional method and also using the Charmat method. Usually it is made with a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco. There are also some made from 100% Chardonnay.

Soil and geography

Valcalepio is an area that runs from the Lago d’Iseo to not far from Lago di Como, about 60 kilometers. These are the pre-alps and can be separated into two parts: one with clay and calcareous soils and the other that is driven by schist. The vines grow on hills of 200-800 meters above sea level. The Adda and Oglio Rivers are its borders and in addition to the mountains, the large plain that reaches the city of Cremona is another important element in the geography of the region. There are about 800 hectares of vines and olive trees in the region.

Alcohol levels are 10.0% for Schiava Rosato; 11.0% for all other wine Residual sugar: Maximum 20 g/l (2.0%) for Moscato amabile

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Send us an e-mail if you are looking for more info about this IGP Bergamasca appellation at cheers@drinkitalian.com

In the meantime, if you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta

Additionally, you can discover the other wines from Lombardy.