Colli di Luni

"Colli di Luni" is a Protected Designation of Origin that includes white, red and Riserva wines with indications of Vermentino, Vermentino Superiore and Albarola.

Grapes

For red wines, the grapes used for production are mainly Sangiovese (minimum 50%), with which up to a maximum of 50% of other similarly coloured grapes can be used, suitable for cultivation in Toscana and Liguria. For whites, however, there is a minimum of 35% of Vermentino, a share between 25% and 40% of Trebbiano toscano and, finally, a further 30% (maximum) of other similar berry varieties, provided that they are always grown in Toscana and Liguria. In the case of Vermentino, however, the share of the homonymous vine rises to 90%. As in the case of Albarola, where the corresponding vine must be present for at least 85%.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white (11% vol.) is straw-coloured, with a delicate and pleasant aroma and a dry, harmonious and characteristic flavour. The Vermentino and Vermentino Superiore (11.5% vol.) have the same tonality, while the aroma is characteristic, intense and fruity, and the taste dry, harmonious and delicately almond. In the Riserva variant (12.5% vol.), the colour is more intense, as is the almond taste and the persistence of the perfume. The red (11.5% vol.) is ruby red and tends towards garnet as it ages; the aroma is delicate and winy, the taste dry, fine and harmonious. In the Reserve, similar characteristics are found, with a greater persistence of odors and flavors and a taste of body. Finally, Albarola (11.5% vol.) is straw-coloured, with greenish reflections, an intense fruity aroma and a dry, fresh and characteristic flavour.

Grape production area

The production area is divided between two regions: Liguria (eastern part) and Tuscany (northern part). Specifically, the territory covers the provinces of La Spezia and Massa Carrara.

Specificity and historical notes

Pliny the Elder wrote of the wine of Luni, already known in Roman times, "has the palm among those of Etruria".