Liguria is often overlooked in the spectrum of Italian wines, understandably so, as it's the 2nd smallest wine region in the country. But, what it lacks in output, it more than makes up for in impact. This crescent-shaped coastal region makes up the Italian Riviera, and stretches towards Tuscany in the southern tip, while its northern neighbor is the famed Provence region of France.
This picturesque region is influenced by its rugged, mountainous terrain and proximity to the Ligurian Sea. Its heavy limestone content found throughout its soils, make this an ideal region for white wine, which accounts for 75% of the wine produced. Most of the output is categorized as DOC wine, making its labels a bit easier to decipher than other Italian regions. Despite its diminutive acreage, there is a wealth of native grapes to explore. For white grapes, plantings include: Albarola, Bosco, Bianchetta Genovese, Lumassina, Pigato, Rollo, Rossese Bianco, Ruzzese, Scimiscia, and Vermentino; for reds: Bracciola Nera, Ormeasco, Pollera Nera and Rossese.
The oldest and most renowned of Liguria's DOC's is Cinque Terrre, which is an exclusively white wine growing region. Cinque Terre ("five lands") is named for the five seaside villages that make up the area. These villages are surrounded by cliffs and coastal hills, some of which exceed 2,500ft in elevation. Vermentino and Pigato are the most planted varieties, and while it is believed that Pigato is genetically, also Vermentino, the locals classify them as separate grapes entirely. While Vermentino is king throughout Liguria and bottled as monovarietal wine, it plays a supporting role here to the natives Bosco, and Albarola.
The viticulture here is truly heroic, and we found the perfect example to include in our Ligurian 2 Pack Offer.
In contrast, Rossese Di Dolceacqua and Ormeasco di Pornassio are each exclusively red wine growing regions. Rossese (known as Tibouren in Provence) is the most important red grape of Liguria and produces stunning monovarietal wine. Much like the Pigato/Vermentino relationship, Ormeasco is the local name for Dolcetto, though Ormeasco wines are considerably more aromatic and lighter in color than the neighboring Piemonte examples.
We highly recommend seeking out these monovarietal wines, however it is the combined efforts of these varieties (plus Granaccia) that best compliments the Cinque Terre, and completes today's peek into Liguria.
Our 2 pack includes:
2022 Terenzuola Cinque Terre - A touch of tropical fruits intertwine with stone fruits, almond blossoms, dried thyme and saline. A concentrated, mineral-rich texture greets the palate before a rush of acidity carries the wine towards a dry, floral and salty finish. Lovely weight and tension, highly enjoyable now though medium term cellaring will greatly reward your patience.
2023 Claudio Vio 'Runcu Brünjau' Rosso - Highly aromatic notes of raspberries, blueberries, dried rose petals, eucalyptus, clove, and cinnamon leap from the glass. The palate displays a soft acidity that introduces a silky texture that slowly sways towards a fruity, spicy and herbal finish. Runcu Brujau is a longtime favorite bottling, and this is hands down the best vintage we've ever had.