Colline Savonesi IGP

• Lumassina (white): pale straw color, gentle floral and orchard fruit aromas, with a saline and mineral quality.
• Vermentino & Pigato (white): Vermentino offers a crisp profile with citrus and herbal notes, while Pigato adds almond and aromatic flavors.
• Moscato Bianco (white): lively and aromatic, excelling in late-harvest passito wines with rich honeyed, apricot, and floral notes.
• Granaccia (red): medium-bodied with red berries, cherries, spices, and Mediterranean herb notes.
• Rosato (rosé): dry and pale pink, fresh and light with hints of strawberries and floral aromas.
• Passito / Novello: late-harvest sweet wines with golden color and rich apricot and honey flavors; Novello reds are fruit-forward with soft tannins.

The Colline Savonesi IGP is known for its unique terroir, with vineyards on steep coastal hills that face the sea. These hills, rising from sea level to a few hundred meters, enjoy a warm Mediterranean climate. The region has long, sunny summers cooled by sea breezes, and mild winters that are perfect for growing vines.

The soil, made of sandstone, marl, and limestone gravels, is poor and rocky. This encourages low vine vigor and concentrated fruit flavors, giving the wines a mineral or salty taste. The microclimates, influenced by sea humidity in the morning and cooler nighttime breezes, help maintain acidity and complexity.

Higher elevations have greater temperature changes, enhancing aromas. The Ligurian Alps and Apennine foothills protect the area, concentrating rainfall in fall and winter, adding to the region's unique wine-growing identity.

In the heart of Liguria's Colline Savonesi IGP, quaint villages like Quiliano are home to remarkable wineries known for their dedication to traditional winemaking and local grape varieties. Here's a glimpse into this unique region:

• Family-Owned Estates: Nestled in Quiliano and nearby areas, these small wineries excel in crafting Granaccia and indigenous whites like Lumassina, Vermentino, and Pigato.
• Artisan Producers: Skilled winemakers in the hills create limited batches, emphasizing single-vineyard selections and time-honored techniques.
• Local Cooperative: A community-driven initiative collects grapes from the entire province, producing IGP blends that support local growers and sustain the region's vineyards.

This region's dedication to preserving traditional methods and nurturing local grape varieties continues to make it a hidden gem in the world of wine.

In the picturesque Colline Savonesi IGP of Liguria, Italy, sustainability is woven into the fabric of winemaking. The region's steep, terraced vineyards make mechanization difficult, encouraging careful hand farming and low-input viticulture. To combat erosion and reduce chemical use, many growers maintain grass between vines and adopt organic or natural methods.

With dry summers, water conservation is critical, prompting the smart use of drip irrigation only when necessary, while some wineries harness solar power and gravity for energy efficiency. Conservation efforts are bolstered by local groups offering training and voluntary certifications, focusing on cover cropping, reduced tillage, and habitat protection. This dedication to sustainable practices seamlessly blends tradition with environmental stewardship, ensuring the region’s wines continue to thrive.

Wine tourism in the Colline Savonesi IGP region of Liguria, Italy, provides a delightful escape into a world of unique wines and stunning landscapes. This area, rich in heritage, allows visitors to explore small vineyards nestled on terraced slopes with views of the sea and mountains.

• Cellar Visits & Tastings: Experience the charm of family-owned wineries in villages like Quiliano.
• Hiking & Cycling Routes: Discover scenic paths through vineyards, offering tastes of Vermentino and Pigato.
• Festivals & Events: Enjoy local wines like Lumassina and Granaccia at vibrant village festivals.
• Agri-Tourism & Pairings: Stay at an agriturismo, savoring local dishes paired with Colline Savonesi wines.

This region offers an authentic experience, blending traditional winemaking techniques with sustainable practices, making it a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts.