Liguria is a unique region: despite its small size. It is particularly famous for its gorgeous Cinque Terre villages, which represents one of Italy’s top tourist destinations. The region is crossed by beautiful mountains from the north (Alps and Apennines) and washed by the wonderful Ligurian Sea from the south. Thanks to its strategic location, the sea and local climate have always had an important influence on viticulture and wine production.
The vineyards are exposed to the sea breeze and often cultivated in steep cliffs that face the sea, producing wines with a very particular "salinity", unique to this territory. The uneven landscape and steep slopes, often lacking any type of access to main roads, such as in the Cinque Terre area, have often led to the definition of Ligurian viticulture as "heroic".
Our Choices from Liguria
Portofino DOC Rosé Magnum
Rose-tinted peach color, mellow bouquet of red apples and honey, dry, fresh palate
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Rosadimaggio Ciliegiolo Liguria di Levante
Intensely fruity, fresh ruby-red wine, perfect for warm days. Vibrant cherry and berry aroma
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Rosadimaggio Ampelos Vermentino Coll di Luni
Refreshing straw-yellow Vermentino, intense aromas, dry, fruity, fresh and smooth, ideal
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Rosadimaggio Ampelos Pigato Riviera Ligure di Ponente
Fruity, mineral-rich Pigato with a golden hue perfect for seafood or grilled white meat dishes
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Liguria's key Wine Areas
Cinque Terre e Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà DOC
A famous tourist destination, this area is home to Albarola, Bosco, and Vermentino grapes. These grapes craft wonderful wines characterised by modest acidity and soft aromas.
Collo di Luni DOC
The Colli di Luni DOC makes various red and white wines from around the hilly areas of La Spezia, with the border of Tuscany. The predominant grapes are Sangiovese and Vermentino.
Val Polvecera DOC
The wines of this area include a large part of the city of Genoa and its hinterland. The vineyards are largely located in the hills and are relatively small compared to other Ligurian wine areas. Val Polcevera DOC wines are distinguished by their good levels of acidity and delicate fruity aromas.
Portofino DOC
Ciliegiolo, Vermentino and Bianchetta Genovese represent the main grapes of this area. The wines of this denomination - also called “Golfo del Tigullio DOC” - are characterful with persistent aromas and are zesty and fresh.
Riviera di Ponente DOC
Riviera di Ponente DOC is a Ligurian denomination on western side of the region, between Imperia and Genoa. The region's main grape varieties are Pigato and Vermentino which are used to produce wonderful wines despite the hazardous terroir in which they are grown. The vineyards are often located over 200 metres above sea level, which makes the use of modern machinery almost impossible.
Food Parings
Starter: Focaccia
A soft bread seasoned with rosemary, onions, vegetables or eaten plain. Pair with a bottle of fresh Vermentino or Moscato.
Main course: Torta pasqualina
Usually prepared for Easter; pastry filled with chard, hard-boiled eggs, Emmental and ricotta. It is particularly good with a bottle of Pigato.
Main course: Trofie al pesto
Thin twisted pasta covered in pesto, a sauce made with garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, pecorino cheese and basil. Try with a white such as Vermentino.
Main course: Coniglio alla ligure
Rabbit cooked with pine nuts, taggiasca olives, aromatic herbs, and wine. Pair with a red wine as Ciliegiolo or Sangiovese.
Dessert: Baci di Alassio
Biscuits made with nuts and a chocolate cream inside. Try with a bottle of dessert wines such as Pigato Passito.
Liguria is the birthplace of Genovese pesto, one of the most famous pasta sauces in the world. But Ligurian cuisine is so much more than pesto; thanks to its unique geographical position and varied landscape, this region is blessed with a plethora of fresh vegetables (in particular zucchini, eggplants and artichokes), exquisite seafood (anchovies and mussels to name a few), together with nuts and wild mushrooms. Let’s not forget its bread making tradition: ever heard of focaccia? Liguria's cuisine is made with simple, local ingredients and is considered among the best in the country.
FAQS
What wine is Liguria known for?
Liguria is famous for its white wines - around 65% of the total. The most important white wines here are Vermentino and Pigato.
What grapes are grown in Liguria?
Liguria is a region particularly suited to the cultivation of grapes. The most important white grape variety in Liguria is Vermentino, and the most important red variety is Rosesse, a variety reminiscent of Nebbiolo due to its translucent colour. Liguria also grows Bianchetta Genovese, Trebbiano Toscano (white), Ciliegiolo, Rossese, Sangiovese and Ormeasco (red).
What is distinctive about Liguria’s wines?
Ligurian white wines are very fresh and fruity. The sea breezes and proximity to the coast lends a saline finish to many of the wines. The red wines are also particularly fruity here, characterised by an intense red colour with orange reflections.
In the last few years, the wine producers of this region specialised in the production of sparkling wines. Above all, the “Abissi” sparkling wine deserves some attention: it is aged 60 metres below sea level in the Marine Park of Portofino, at a constant temperature of 15° C. The bottles are placed in steel cages and placed on the seabed by professional divers.
Which is the best time to visit Liguria?
Enjoy Liguaria’s best weather, by visiting between April and October. On average, the warmest months (but also the busiest) are July and August. January is the coldest month of the year. November is the wettest month.
What is unique about Liguria compared to other parts of Italy?
Blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole country, Liguria is a wonderful tourist destination that appeals to every need. Apart from being an Instagrammer’s paradise, Cinque Terre has everything you can wish for: from gorgeous beaches to wonderful hikes. Local food is delicious (ever heard of pesto?) and people are very welcoming. If you fancy a luxurious holiday, Portofino is the place for you as it houses some of the world’s best hotels.
Want to know it all?
Liguria: Region in a nutshell
Total vineyard area:
1,500 hectares (35% red wines, 65% white wines)Number of producers:
1,000Total wine production:
46,000 hectolitresNumber of DOCGs:
0Number of DOCs:
8
Liguria's Wine History
The first traces of wine cultivation in Liguria date back to Roman times. Due to the geographically difficult terrain, Romans had to be very resourceful in order to produce wines here. Even today, the environmental conditions do not allow extensive cultivation and for this reason, Liguria is largely made up of small wineries and limited productions.
Liguria's Viticulture
The Ligurian hinterland is largely made up of mountainous areas so wine production is largely concentrated along the entire coastal strip (along with some inland areas). The most common white varieties are largely grown in the central and eastern areas, while the production of black grapes are concentrated in the western part of the region.
The most important white grape variety in Liguria is Vermentino, whilst the most important black grape is Rossese. Ciliegiolo grape is also widespread in the central and eastern areas of Liguria.
Liguria’s Top Wineries To Visit
Guglierame
The family-run company owns around 2.5 hectares of vineyards, passed down from generation to generation. The vineyards are located in mountainous area around the town of Imperia, at an altitude of 550 meters. This winery is particularly famous for its reds, such as the Ormeasco di Pornassio 2016: awarded one of the best 100 Italian wines by Golosaria.
Cantine Lunae
Situated in the province of La Spezia, Cantine Lunae has a fascinating story: the word Lunae originates from the old Etruscan town of Luni, known for its wine tradition. Paolo Bosoni, the owner of Cantine Lunae, inherited this beautiful land from his family in 1966 and turned it into one of the best wineries of the region, thanks to his passion and dedication. The Vermentino produced here has been awarded three wine glasses (maximum recognition) by the famous culinary magazine, Gambero Rosso.
Tenuta La Ghiaia
This gorgeous estate is located only 20 minutes from the famous Cinque Terre, 6 km from the coast. Its organic vineyards cover five and a half hectares and are planted with Vermentino, Sangiovese, Merlot, Vermentino Nero, Massaretta, Albarolo and Malvasia Bianca. Tenuta La Ghiaia is the perfect place to spend a weekend, thanks to its modern and elegant suites, fitness rooms, tennis courts and guided winery tours.
Best white wine grapes from Liguria
Pigato:
Yellow straw color with green reflections. Dry on the palate, fruity and mineral.
Riviera Ligure di Ponente Moscato:
A dry, aromatic wine, often very delicate in structure and bright yellow in colour.
Vermentino:
Vermentino is dry, fruity and complex thanks to Liguria’s particular microclimate.
Best red wine grapes from Liguria
Rossese di Dolceacqua:
This is the finest red wine of the region. Dry, light bodied and tangy.
Sangiovese:
One of the pillars of Italian viticulture, Sangiovese is full of sour cherry flavours.
Ciliegiolo:
A Tuscan variety that has found its home in Liguria; full bodied and spicy.