Liguria (19)

"Wine from Liguria can even make stones bloom,"

enthused Andrea Bacci, an Italian physician and researcher from the 16th century. Until just a few years ago, wines from this region known for its mild climate were rare outside of Italy. Fortunately, dedicated winemakers are successfully working to change that.

Viticulture under Extreme Conditions

The cultivation of wine in Liguria presents significant challenges: most vineyards consist of narrow terraces on steep slopes. What appears idyllic in vacation photos is difficult, almost exclusively requires manual labor, and yields little fruit. Some wine terraces in the Cinque Terre DOC area, for example, are built on steep rocks high above the sea and can only be reached by boat. More and more small wineries have turned away from viticulture in recent decades and focused on flower cultivation. Among the innovative wineries betting on the potential of wine from Liguria is Cantina Lunae, founded in 1966 by Paolo Bosoni in the Colli di Luni DOC.

The Climate in Liguria - Ideal for Wine

The vineyards of the coastal strip, which almost reach the sea in some places, bask in the mild northern Mediterranean climate. On cooler nights and into the cold season, the Mediterranean serves as a heat reservoir. At the same time, the high mountain ranges of the Ligurian Alps and the Apennines protect against cold snaps and icy winds from the hinterland.

Soil Composition and Wine Styles in Liguria

On the sandy, lime- and clay-rich soils of the coastal region, robust white and red wines predominantly thrive.

The Most Important Grape Varieties in Liguria

Around 100 grape varieties are available for wine on the Italian Riviera. The most important grapes of the region include

- Vermentino (white, widespread throughout Liguria)

- Pigato (white, mainly Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC)

- Rossese (red, also predominantly in the western part of the region)

- Ormeasco (red, likewise)

White Wines with Character

Increasingly popular in Germany are Liguria's dry, characterful wines, often produced as single varietals from the Vermentino grape. They are characterized by salty-mineral freshness or floral, spicy notes, such as the Etichetta Nera Vermentino Colli di Luni DOC from Cantine Lunae. The second major white grape variety in Liguria is Pigato. Whether it was brought by Roman settlers or if it is indeed an indigenous grape of the region has not yet been clarified.

Red Wines from Light to Demanding

In the western part of the region, particularly the Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC, light, everyday red wines are produced alongside the whites. In contrast, in the narrow strip of alluvial soil south of the Magra estuary: in the relatively young DOC Colli di Luni, characterful reds are produced, such as the Niccoló V Riserva Colli di Luni DOC, a powerful cuvée of Merlot, Sangiovese, and the indigenous grape Pollera Nera.

Interesting Facts about the Liguria Wine Region

Since when has wine been grown in Liguria?

Historians suspect that Celtic farmers planted the first vines over 2,500 years ago. In the 1st century BC, the Greek historian Strabo praised wine from Liguria.

What role does viticulture play in preserving the beauty of Liguria?

In many places in Liguria, vines are planted in closely spaced rows on narrow, laboriously terraced slopes. The dense planting protects the rugged slopes from erosion and landslides - without viticulture, there would be only barren rocky landscapes instead of a green coastal strip.

What significance does viticulture have for the Cinque Terre National Park?

The warm colors of the houses nestled against the rocks in the five Ligurian villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, along with the terraced vineyards supported by dry stone walls, create the spectacular cultural landscape of Cinque Terre. The region received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. As more and more winemakers from the area move away and the vineyards face deterioration, the management of the national park is offering individual plots free of charge for 20 years on the condition that wine cultivation continues.

Discover Wines from Liguria Online at VINELLO

Enjoy premium wines from the Liguria wine region at affordable prices from our online shop. You will find a representative selection of winemakers and wineries from Liguria on VINELLO. With us, you can shop securely and look forward to a quick delivery of your order. We also offer a variety of payment options for you to choose your preferred method.

Another advantage at VINELLO: Our sommeliers are available by phone for detailed advice to introduce you to the world of Liguria wines. This way, you'll find your favorites more easily and quickly, whether for a special occasion, an evening with friends, or for your own private enjoyment.