Susannah Gold returns as the expert on Lombardia for the Modo di Bere series The Boot in 20. For each of Italy's 20 wine regions, Rose Thomas asks an expert to bring the map to life, identifying major grapes, wines, soils and microclimates. Susannah tells stories about the region's history, considers the future in terms of climate change, and shares advice about planning a visit! What's the smallest DOCG in Italy? What do they call the grape Tocai Friulano in Lombardia? What does the Red Cross have to do with Italian wine history? Did you know there are over 60 varieties of Lambrusco? Susannah Gold knows, and after hearing her thrilling interview, you'll know, too, and you may just start planning a trip to a new Italian destination.

The northern Italian region of Lombardia is home to the alpine nebbiolo of Valtellina and word-class sparklers of Franciacorta along with a dazzling array of other regions and wines, including Lugana, Oltrepò Pavese, Lambrusco Mantovano and more. Rose Thomas and Susannah discuss the classic/traditional method vs. the tank method for obtaining sparkling wines and the history, vinification and exports of Italy's sweet wines. Susannah describes the three pillars of sustainability, history ancient, modern and medieval; and local products besides wine, including amaro, aperitivo, grappa, heritage grains, local salumi and world-famous marble. Check out Susannah's Vigneto Podcast, where she reviews wine books and talks sustainability. She also has a wonderful wine blog called Avvinare. Susannah is on Instagram @vignetocomms. Susannah offers many different services to wine producers and consumers through her website www.susannahgold.com.

If you love this show and want it to continue, please support Modo di Bere on Patreon! www.patreon.com/MododiBere Follow @mododibere on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and sign up for the newsletter at www.mododibere.com. C'e una versione del podcast in italiano! Cerca Modo di Bere Italiano ovunque ascolti i podcast. Music composed by Ersilia Prosperi for the band Ou: www.oumusic.bandcamp.com Audio recorded and edited by Rose Thomas Bannister with assistance from Steve Silverstein.