Colli di Luni and its wines

The area of the Colli di Luni is one of the best-suited winegrowing areas in the Mediterranean, lying between Liguria di Levante and the Northern Tuscany, in particular between the province of La Spezia and that of 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 absolute star.

Winegrowing Vocation

Viticulture in the Colli di Luni has its roots in antiquity, going back to Roman times, as shown by the remains of the ancient city of Luni. Today the area is protected by the appellation Colli di Luni DOC, established in 1989, which promotes both white and red wines, made with methods that respect tradition and innovation.

Main Grape Varieties

• Vermentino: The signature grape variety of the area, here it shows freshness, savouriness and unique mineral notes, thanks to the limestone and sandy soils.
• Albarola e Trebbiano: Often used in blends for the white wines, they give balance and delicacy.
• Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo e Canaiolo: Used for the reds, which turn out soft, fruity and elegant.

Style of the Wines

• Vermentino dei Colli di Luni DOC: A fresh, aromatic wine, with hints of white flowers, citrus and marked minerality. Perfect for expressing the bond between the sea and the land.
• Vermentino "Etichetta Nera": A more complex, structured version, made from selections of the best grapes, often aged on the fine lees for greater depth.
• Colli di Luni Rosso DOC: Based on Sangiovese, is an elegant red with a fruity, spicy profile, often aged in wood for added complexity.

Area and Terroir

The vineyards spread over hills that enjoy:

• Limestone and sandy soils, ideal for minerality in the whites and structure in the reds.
• A breezy, mild climate, with maritime influences that keep the grapes healthy and encourage balanced ripening.
• Temperature swings which heighten the aromatic freshness in the wines.

Benchmark Wineries

• Lunae Bosoni: Recognised as one of the best wineries in the area, famous for its interpretations of Vermentino.
• Ottaviano Lambruschi: Produces Vermentinos of great expressiveness and character.
• Cantine Federici: Specialises in Vermentino and traditional reds.

Wine Events and Promotion

The Colli di Luni area is very active in promoting wine through events and festivals:

• Festa del Vermentino: An annual event celebrating the area's leading grape variety.
• Food and wine itineraries among the wineries, with guided tastings and walks through the vineyards.

Food Pairings

The wines of the Colli di Luni, in particular Vermentino, go perfectly with:

• Fresh fish and seafood, thanks to the freshness and savouriness.
• Ligurian pesto pasta, bringing out the herbaceous and aromatic flavours.
• Fresh cheeses and vegetable-based dishes.

Prospects and Innovation

In recent years, producers have been focusing on:

• Sustainable winemaking techniques.
• Ageing on fine lees and short spells in wood to give the Vermentino wines more body.
• Respect for the terroir and promoting indigenous grape varieties.

I Colli di Luni today strike a perfect balance between winemaking tradition and innovation, offering wines that reflect the authentic essence of this extraordinary area.