The best wines from Liguria in Italy

Liguria is a small but beautiful Italian wine region on the Gulf of Genoa. Time seems to have stood still in Liguria. Small winegrowers make wine there just like their great-grandfathers did. They are not very well known and export is small. But with more than 100 indigenous grape varieties and beautiful traditions, Liguria has a lot to offer to adventurous wine drinkers.

Although Liguria is located quite far north, it is warmer than, for example, Tuscany to the south. Liguria is wedged between the Apennines, the Ligurian Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. This ensures a mild climate. On the steep slate mountain slopes right on the coast, the grapes enjoy a lot of sun. A unique terroir that gives the wines from Liguria a specific character.

White wine from Liguria

Despite the abundance of native grapes, there are two white ones that stand out in Liguria: the Vermentino and the Pigato. The first is mainly known from the island of Sardinia. The Pigato is a typical grape from Liguria. It produces firm, fruity wines with a rich scent of wild herbs and (dried) flowers. This spiciness seems to be specific to the terroir of the region because the Vermentino from Liguria can also have such a spiciness.

Red wine from Liguria

Like no other, the red Rossesse di Dolceaqua is connected to Liguria. Made from the rugged Rosesse grape. Bright red, not too complex but with character. Not everyone's friend and a challenge in the hands of the winemaker. Napoleon would have been a fan. The best examples have a fine scent of dried roses, red fruit and mild bitters. The Riviera Ligure di Ponente is also made from Rosesse. In addition, the winegrowers from Liguria make red from Ormeasco - a local clone of Dolcetto and from Sangiovese, which is bottled here as Colli di Luni DOC.