Distillation in Lombardy: from ancient roots to contemporary challenges
The Historical Roots of Lombard Distillation
Lombard distillation has deep roots in a past rich with tradition and figures who have rightfully earned fame in the art of the still. According to unconfirmed theories, the Jesuit father Francesco Terzi Lana (Brescia, 1631 - 1681) applied his knowledge of physics to distillation, dedicating the third volume of his most famous work, the Magisterium Naturae, to it. He conducted his research in collaboration with another Jesuit father, the German Athanasius Kircher (Geisa, 1602 - Rome 1680), author of the astonishing Mundus Subterraneus.
The Wealth of Lombard Vineyards
Lombardy boasts a great variety of cultivated vineyards, alongside typical regional grapes such as Bonarda, Croatina, and Groppello gentile. The Oltrepò Pavese holds the record for the production of Pinot Noir in Italy. The areas of Brescia, with Franciacorta, and Bergamo offer a very interesting variety of fresh pomace for distillation. And how can we not mention Valtellina, where the quintessential Piedmontese grape, Nebbiolo, has found expression in heroic wines such as Sfursat.
Decline and Transformations in the Distillation Landscape
It must be acknowledged, however, that this region has suffered more than others from the decline in the number of distilleries over the past 50 years. Alongside very renowned wine brands that produce their own Grappa or bottle it, many stills have remained distinctly artisanal, operating with flowing steam boilers. It should be noted, however, that continuous cycle stills made their appearance in the 1960s, as in other parts of Italy, causing the closure of many artisanal plants.
Lombard distillation has deep roots in a past rich with tradition and figures who have rightfully earned fame in the art of the still. According to unconfirmed theories, the Jesuit father Francesco Terzi Lana (Brescia, 1631 - 1681) applied his knowledge of physics to distillation, dedicating the third volume of his most famous work, the Magisterium Naturae, to it. He conducted his research in collaboration with another Jesuit father, the German Athanasius Kircher (Geisa, 1602 - Rome 1680), author of the astonishing Mundus Subterraneus.
The Wealth of Lombard Vineyards
Lombardy boasts a great variety of cultivated vineyards, alongside typical regional grapes such as Bonarda, Croatina, and Groppello gentile. The Oltrepò Pavese holds the record for the production of Pinot Noir in Italy. The areas of Brescia, with Franciacorta, and Bergamo offer a very interesting variety of fresh pomace for distillation. And how can we not mention Valtellina, where the quintessential Piedmontese grape, Nebbiolo, has found expression in heroic wines such as Sfursat.
Decline and Transformations in the Distillation Landscape
It must be acknowledged, however, that this region has suffered more than others from the decline in the number of distilleries over the past 50 years. Alongside very renowned wine brands that produce their own Grappa or bottle it, many stills have remained distinctly artisanal, operating with flowing steam boilers. It should be noted, however, that continuous cycle stills made their appearance in the 1960s, as in other parts of Italy, causing the closure of many artisanal plants.
