Liguria di Levante

The "Liguria di Levante" PGI includes three types of wine: white (also sparkling and Passito), red (also Sparkling, Novello and Passito) and rosé. Production is planned with indication of the vine variety.

Grapes

PGI wines "Liguria di Levante" must be obtained from vines suitable for cultivation in Liguria. The specification of the Malvasia bianca lunga, Trebbiano toscano (white berry) and Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Pollera nera, Sangiovese, Sirah vines is reserved for wines at least 85% of which are obtained from the corresponding vine, while the remaining 15% may come from vines suitable for cultivation in Liguria.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white "Liguria di Levante" PGIs are of a more or less intense straw yellow colour, combined with a delicate, fruity aroma and a fresh, harmonious taste. The white Passito version, on the other hand, is distinguished by its amber colour. The red version is ruby in colour tending towards garnet with ageing, has a vinous and fruity bouquet and a dry and fine flavour. The red Passito version is distinguished by its intense and brilliant ruby colour and its full-bodied and persistent taste. Finally, the rosé has a pale pink or Chiaretto colour, a delicate, vinous aroma and a dry, fine flavour. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 10.50% vol. for white and rosé wines, 11.50% for red wines and 15% for dessert wines.

Grape production area

The production area, in the province of La Spezia, includes a territory located mostly in the middle of the hills, with terraces.

Specificity and historical notes

In the plain of Val di Magra, adjacent to the city of La Spezia, there are historical evidence of the existence of an ancient Roman city, Luni. Pliny the Elder, in his writings, stated that the wine of Luni was the best of Etruria.