Liguria and its wines

The Liguria, in north-western Italy, is a wine region characterised by a viticulture heroic, with terraced vineyards perched above the sea. Thanks to the the Mediterranean climate, the sea breeze and the sandy, clay soils, Liguria produces fresh, mineral white wines, as well as delicate, elegant reds.

The grape variety that symbolises the region is Vermentino, which gives savoury, aromatic whites, while the Pigato, the local variant, stands out for its more complex, mineral character. Among the reds, the standouts are Rossese di Dolceacqua, the Granaccia and theOrmeasco di Pornassio.

What is the Liguria wine district?

Liguria is a region with a limited but high-quality wine production, thanks to the difficulty of growing vines on extreme slopes. The region is divided into 8 main DOCs, including:

• Cinque Terre DOC → Vermentino and Bosco, fresh, savoury whites.
• Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC → Vermentino, Pigato and Rossese, elegant wines with a sea-borne character.
• Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC → The first Ligurian DOC, a light, spicy red.
• Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino DOC → Fragrant whites and reds, typical of the eastern coast.
• Colli di Luni DOC → Vermentino with great structure and longevity.
• Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC → A variant of Dolcetto, with more freshness and minerality.

The Great Wine Regions of Liguria

1. Western Liguria (Imperia and Savona)

• Main grape varieties: Pigato, Vermentino, Rossese, Granaccia.
• Style: Fresh, mineral whites, delicate, spicy reds.
• Famous appellations: Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC, Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC.

2. Eastern Liguria (La Spezia and Genoa)

• Main grape varieties: Vermentino, Bosco, Albarola.
• Style: Savoury, long-lived whites.
• Famous appellations: Cinque Terre DOC, Colli di Luni DOC.

3. The Ligurian Hinterland (Val Bormida and Valle Arroscia)

• Main grape varieties: Ormeasco (Dolcetto), Barbera, Ciliegiolo.
• Style: Mountain reds, fresh and spicy.
• Famous appellations: Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC.

Characteristics of Ligurian Wines

Colour

• Whites: Straw yellow with greenish highlights, more golden in the Pigato.
• Reds: Pale ruby red, with orange tones in the aged Rosseses.

Aromas

• Fruity: Citrus, apple, peach in the whites; berry fruits and cherry in the reds.
• Floral: Wild flowers in the Vermentino and Pigato.
• Mineral and Briny: Iodine and Mediterranean scrubland notes in the whites.

Palate

• Fresh and Savoury: In the whites, with vibrant acidity and great drinkability.
• Elegant and Delicate: In the Rossese and Ormeasco wines, with silky tannins.

Typical Grape Varieties of Liguria

White Grape Varieties

• Vermentino: Aromatic and mineral, perfect for the coastal wines.
• Pigato: More complex than Vermentino, with herbal and spicy notes.
• Bosco and Albarola: Used in the whites of the Cinque Terre to give savouriness and freshness.

Black Grape Varieties

• Rossese: Light and spicy, typical of Dolceacqua.
• Ormeasco (Dolcetto): A fresher, more mineral local version.
• Granaccia (Grenache): Structured and soft, with good longevity.

Why Choose a Wine from Liguria?

A wine from the Liguria is the essence of the sea and the mountains, perfect for pairing with fish dishes, trofie al pesto, stuffed anchovies and vegetable pies. The region's heroic viticulture gives wines savoury, elegant and authentic, ideal for anyone looking for freshness and a sense of place.