Liguria is a small coastal region running along Italy's Mediterranean coast between the French border and Tuscany. Known as the Italian Riviera, the region is dominated by hills with sheer drops that almost fall straight into the sea. These steep elevations
Liguria is a small coastal region running along Italy's Mediterranean coast between the French border and Tuscany. Known as the Italian Riviera, the region is dominated by hills with sheer drops that almost fall straight into the sea. These steep elevations make vine growing a challenge, resulting in scattered vineyards with limited production. Viticulture here plays an essential role in the prevention of soil erosion and landslides. Despite this difficult environment, the steep elevations are a blessing too, as they protect the grapes near the sea from the coldest winter winds blowing down from the Alps. The soil's high limestone content is particularly good for white grapes, as it gives the wines their minerality.
DOC and IGT
The best known wine among the DOCs is Cinque Terre, made along the Riviera between Manarola and Volastra. Its name means “five lands” relating to the fishing villages along the cliffs. Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC is the biggest DOC in Liguria. Its best known wines are the red Rossese and Ormeasco (a local version of Dolcetto) and the white Pigato and Vermentino.
Grape Varieties
Although there are 100 varieties grown in this region, Liguria is generally known for its wines made from the local white grape Pigato. This variety gives wines a fragrant nose reminiscent of the Ligurian landscape's pine-wood and sea-salt aromas, as well as an underlying minerality. Another star white is Vermentino.
