Vignebasse (2023) - Terenzuola
In the heart of the Colli di Luni, where Liguria brushes against Tuscany, stands the Terenzuola winery, keeper of a winemaking tradition whose roots run deep into the past. Here Vermentino finds its ideal home, brushed by the sea breeze and kissed by the sun. There is a lovely story behind the name "Vignebasse": it is said to come from an old local legend, according to which these vines, set in a sheltered valley, were planted by medieval monks to make a wine for the pilgrims travelling the Via Francigena. This wine, its history entwined with that of those travellers, still tells the story of the land in every sip.
Vignebasse (2023) - Terenzuola
Type: Vino Bianco
Area: Italy, Liguria, Colli di Luni
Appellation: Colli di Luni Vermentino DOC
Grape variety: Vermentino
Vintage: 2023
Winery: Terenzuola
Alcohol: 13%
The appellation: Colli di Luni Vermentino DOC
The Colli di Luni Vermentino DOC is one of the best-known and most refined white wines of Liguria, produced in the area on the border between Liguria and Tuscany, in particular between the provinces of La Spezia (Liguria) and Massa-Carrara (Tuscany). This DOC takes its name from the ancient Roman city of Luni, once an important port on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Thanks to the maritime climate, the well-drained hillside soils and skilful winemaking, the Vermentino of the Colli di Luni is considered among the most elegant and complex expressions of this variety in Italy: a fresh, mineral, aromatic and long-lived wine.
Find out more about Colli di Luni Vermentino DOCWhat to eat with Vignebasse
Who makes it: Terenzuola
Terenzuola is a winery in the heart of the Colli di Luni, on the border between Liguria and Tuscany. Founded more than a century ago, the estate has found new momentum thanks to Ivan Giuliani, who has carried forward a project to bring out Vermentino, creating wines of great finesse and character. Terenzuola’s approach is based on absolute respect for the terroir, with sustainable viticulture practices and minimal intervention in the cellar to enhance the purity of the grapes. The result is a range of fresh, mineral, long-lived wines, perfect for expressing the soul of the area.
Find out more about TerenzuolaThe vine of Vignebasse
Vermentino
Vermentino is a highly prized white grape variety, found mainly in the coastal regions of the Mediterranean. Its origin is debated, but it is thought to come from the Iberian peninsula or from Liguria, from where it would then have spread to Sardinia, Tuscany and Corsica. Today it is also grown in some areas of southern France.
Find out moreVignebasse: the Colli di Luni area
Colli di Luni
The Colli di Luni area is one of the finest winegrowing territories in the Mediterranean, lying between eastern Liguria and northern Tuscany, in particular between the provinces of La Spezia and Massa-Carrara. The mild climate, the proximity to the sea and the mineral soils create ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines, with Vermentino as the undisputed star.
Find out more about Colli di LuniClimate: Mediterranean
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Vignebasse
Primary aromas: Citrus, White flowers
Secondary aromas: Mediterranean herbs, minerals
Tasting notes: A fresh, mineral white Vermentino with notes of citrus and white flowers. On the palate it is lively and savoury, with a long, persistent finish.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Fresh |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Absent |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Long |
| Colour | Straw yellow with pale green highlights |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Vignebasse
Stainless steel winemaking for freshness and aromas
Stainless steel winemaking is a modern, versatile technique, particularly prized for producing fresh, aromatic and lively wines. Thanks to the use of stainless steel tanks, fermentation takes place in a neutral, controlled environment, preserving the primary characteristics of the grape variety and of the terroir as fully as possible. This approach makes it possible to obtain wines that clearly express their varietal personality and a pleasant lightness.What is Stainless Steel Winemaking? Stainless steel winemaking involves the use of stainless steel tanks during alcoholic fermentation and, often, during ageing as well. These vessels guarantee a hygienic, controlled environment, free from outside influences that might alter the aromatic profile of the wine. What is more, precise temperature control helps develop fresh, fruity aromas, avoiding oxidation or unwanted fermentations. Advantages of Stainless Steel WinemakingPreserving freshness: the primary aromas of the grape variety remain intact. Temperature control: it allows slow, steady fermentations, bringing out the aromas and the structure. Aromatic purity: stainless steel adds no outside flavours, guaranteeing an authentic product.Stages of Stainless Steel Winemaking 1. Harvest and Pressing The grapes are picked at the right degree of ripeness and gently pressed to obtain a clean, high-quality must. 2. Settling the Must The must is clarified to remove any solid residues, ensuring a clean fermentation. 3. Fermentation in Stainless Steel Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control (generally between 10°C and 18°C for whites and rosés). 4. Stabilisation After fermentation, the wine is left to rest in the tanks to refine and stabilise, before bottling.Characteristics of the Resulting Wines ColourWhites: bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: delicate tones of pale pink or salmon. Light reds: pale ruby red with lively transparency.AromasFruity: notes of citrus, peach, green apple and berries. Floral: hints of white flowers, violets or dog rose. Mineral: fresh, saline nuances, typical of certain terroirs.TasteFresh and lively: with balanced acidity and a light body. Harmonious: perfect for drinking young and informally.Grape Varieties Ideal for Stainless Steel Winemaking White Grape VarietiesVermentino: perfect for bringing out freshness and minerality. Sauvignon Blanc: aromatic and vibrant, with citrus and tropical fruit notes.Black Grape VarietiesPinot Nero: ideal for rosés and light, elegant reds. Montepulciano: perfect for fresh, fruity rosés.Why Choose a Wine Made in Stainless Steel? A wine made in stainless steel is the essence of freshness and varietal purity, perfect for anyone looking for intense aromas, liveliness and lightness. Ideal for aperitifs, light dishes and convivial moments, these wines are a true tribute to nature and to the quality of the grapes.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Vignebasse
In stainless steel
Ageing in stainless steel is a winemaking practice aimed at preserving the freshness, aromatic integrity and varietal purity of the wine. It is used above all for white, rosé and young red wines, but also for light, easy-drinking reds that do not require maturation in wood. Stainless steel vessels are inert and impermeable to oxygen, so they do not interact with the wine: this makes it possible to bring out the fruity, floral and mineral component of the grape and of the terroir.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Vignebasse
- No contact with the lees