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Wine Grapes of Liguria

Wine grapes of Liguria

The vineyard area in Liguria covers approximately 1,500 hectares, with 65% planted with white grape varieties, among which Vermentino stands out, while among the black grape varieties, Rossese is prominent. International varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet, only account for a few hectares, especially in Lunigiana area. Ligurian vineyards are located 65% in the mountains and 35% on hills, often situated on steep slopes, which require that all vineyard operations be conducted manually, sometimes on extreme inclines, leading to references to “heroic” viticulture. The Ligurian hinterland is largely mountainous, hence wine production in Liguria is concentrated along the entire coastal strip and, where possible, in the inner areas of the region. The most widespread varieties are white grapes, particularly in the central and eastern area, while the production of black grape species is concentrated in the western part of the region. The most important white grape variety in Liguria is Vermentino, while the most significant black grape variety is Rossese, a variety reminiscent of Nebbiolo due to its low content of coloring substances. Other white grapes cultivated in Liguria include Pigato, Bosco, and Albarola, while the black grapes include Ormeasco (Dolcetto) and Barbera. Ciliegiolo, on the other hand, is widespread in the central and eastern areas of Liguria.

Wine Grapes of Liguria in Numbers

All Wine Grapes of Liguria

In the following table the complete list of the wine grapes which are mentioned in the specifications for the region's Appellations of origin.

Wine grapeBerry color
AlbarolaWhite berryThe Albarola Wine Grape in Italy
AlicanteBlack berryThe Alicante Wine Grape in Italy
Bianchetta GenoveseWhite berryThe Bianchetta Genovese Wine Grape in Italy
BoscoWhite berryThe Bosco Wine Grape in Italy
DolcettoBlack berryThe Dolcetto Wine Grape in Italy
LumassinaWhite berryThe Buzzetto Wine Grape in Italy
PigatoWhite berryThe Pigato Wine Grape in Italy
Pollera neraBlack berryThe Pollera nera Wine Grape in Italy
RosseseBlack berryThe Rossese Wine Grape in Italy
ScimisciàWhite berryThe Scimiscià Wine Grape in Italy
VermentinoWhite berryThe Vermentino Wine Grape in Italy

Quattrocalici Wine Guide