The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Lombardy

DOCStill huntingHard

Valcalepio DOC

Bergamo's main DOC, a Bordeaux blend by regulation: the red must be Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the white Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay with some Pinot Grigio. The reds are medium-bodied with black cherry, blackcurrant, green herb and cedar from oak aging, with soft tannin; riservas add three years. The whites are clean and appley. It's competent, restaurant-friendly wine that rarely leaves Lombardy, though a few estates like Il Calepino and Castello di Grumello have exported.

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Bottles I'm chasing

ProducerWinePriceBuy
Castello di Grumello
Valcalepio Rosso
Castle estate's Merlot and Cabernet with cherry, blackcurrant and cedar; the most findable label.
$15 to $22Wine-Searcher
Il Calepino
Valcalepio Rosso Riserva Surie
The DOC's benchmark riserva; deeper, with plum, tobacco and firmer oak-aged tannin.
$25 to $35Wine-Searcher
Le Corne
Valcalepio Rosso Forte Terra
Mid-sized Grumello estate; ripe, rounded Merlot-led red with soft tannin.
$18 to $25Wine-Searcher