Provinces: Genoa, Imperia, La Spezia, Savona
The Italian Riviera has little space for vines on its
rugged slopes that extend along the Ligurian Sea from
the border of France to the border of Tuscany.
Liguria
ranks 19th in production among Italy’s 20 regions,
yet certain of its wines enjoy more than local reputations.
Historically prominent was Cinqueterre, from steep vineyards
first terraced by the Romans around the “five lands” or
fishing villages of the eastern Riviera. Today Cinqueterre
is prevalently dry, though connoisseurs sometimes prefer
the sweet version called Sciacchetrà.
Nearby is
the Colli di Luni zone, which has gained a reputation
for white Vermentino, a wine on the rise everywhere in
Liguria. The western Riviera Ligure di Ponente is noted
for the red Ormeasco (from Dolcetto) and the unique white
Pigato, as well as fine Vermentino.
Rossese di Dolceacqua,
from the westernmost point of the region, was a favourite
red wine of Napoleon. Served with pride throughout the
Riviera are local wines that derive from the more than
100 varieties still cultivated in Liguria’s precious
vineyards.
Useful contacts:
Movimento del Turismo del Vino - Corso Firenze 14/11
- Genoa - Tel.: 0039 010 216387 - http://www.wineday.org |
