Liguria di Levante and its wines

The Liguria di Levante is one of the most fascinating and unique wine areas in Italy, in the eastern part of Liguria, among the steep hills overlooking the Ligurian Sea. This area, marked by heroic viticulture, is famous for its fresh, mineral white wines, but also for its elegant reds and its sweet passito wines.The closeness of the sea, the favourable climatic conditions and the mineral-rich soils give the wines of Liguria di Levante a distinctive character, ideal for pairing with seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.

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Geography and Climate of Liguria di Levante

Liguria di Levante stretches from La Spezia as far as the borders with the Tuscany, including iconic places such as the Cinque Terre, the Golfo dei Poeti and the inland valleys.

Terroir and Soil

• Terraced hills: The vineyards are grown on steep terraces held up by dry-stone walls, a cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO.
• Mineral-rich soils: Made up of marl, schist and sandstone, they give the wines freshness and savouriness.
• Varying altitudes: The vineyards lie between 50 and the 400 metres above sea level.

Climate

• Mediterranean with maritime influences.
• Hot summers tempered by the sea breezes.
• Temperature swings which favour the preservation of the aromas in the grapes.

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Grape Varieties Grown

Liguria di Levante is famous for its native varieties, which reflect the deep bond with the land.

White Grape Varieties

• Vermentino: Fresh, savoury and mineral, it is the star of the area's white wines.
• Bosco: Often used in blends, it gives body and longevity.
• Albarola: Adds freshness and citrus notes.

Black Grape Varieties

• Sangiovese: Often used in blends for elegant red wines.
• Ciliegiolo: It gives softness and fruity aromas.
• Canaiolo Nero: It contributes to light, fragrant wines.

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Wine Styles of the Liguria di Levante

1. Dry White Wines

The white wines, made mainly from Vermentino, are fresh, savoury and mineral, perfect for accompanying seafood dishes.

2. Red Wines

The reds, often made from blends of Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo e Canaiolo, are light and aromatic, ideal for pairing with Mediterranean cuisine.

3. Sweet Wines

The Sciacchetrà, a passito from the Cinque Terre, is one of the most famous sweet wines in the region, known for its aromatic richness and its extraordinary longevity.

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Appellations and Production Areas

Main Appellations

• Colli di Luni DOC: Known for its elegant, savoury Vermentino wines.
• Cinque Terre DOC: Famous for its mineral white wines and the Sciacchetrà passito.
• Golfo dei Poeti IGT: It includes high-quality white, red and rosé wines.

Production Areas

• Cinque Terre: Famous for its terraces plunging down to the sea.
• Colli di Luni: Straddling Liguria and Tuscany, with a unique terroir.
• Val di Vara e Val di Magra: Inland valleys ideal for producing fresh, aromatic wines.

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Winemaking Techniques

• Temperature-controlled fermentation: To preserve the aromas in white wines.
• Ageing in stainless steel: To bring out freshness and savouriness.
• Appassimento: For Sciacchetrà, the grapes are left to dry on racks to concentrate sugars and aromas.

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Food Pairings

The wines of Liguria di Levante pair perfectly with seafood and with traditional Ligurian dishes.

White Wines

• Steamed fish or grilled.
• Seafood and shellfish.
• Pasta with pesto or with clams.

Red Wines

• Fish soups and structured seafood dishes.
• White meat and light roasts.
• Savoury tarts and vegetarian dishes.

Sweet Wines

• Blue cheeses and aged.
• Dry pastries and tarts.
• Almond-based desserts and honey.

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Why Choose a Wine from the Liguria di Levante?

A wine from the Liguria di Levante is a window onto a unique terroir, where the winemaking tradition blends with breathtaking scenery. These wines are the perfect choice for those who love products that are authentic, fresh and linked to the Mediterranean culture, able to enhance the flavours of local and international cuisine.