Lumassina is a white grape variety native to Liguria, historically linked to the Genoa area and today particularly representative of the western Savona region. The earliest written records date back to the second half of the nineteenth century, whilst tradition suggests it was already present in the region as far back as the Middle Ages. It is also known by the local names Mataòssu, in the area around Finale Ligure and Varigotti, and Buzzetto, particularly in the Quiliano area. The vine exhibits medium to high vigour and a spreading growth habit; the leaves are medium to large, ranging from orbicular to cuneiform in shape, entire or three-lobed, with a thin or medium-thickness margin. The bunch is medium-sized, pyramidal or cylindrical-conical, often winged and moderately compact; the berries, spherical or slightly ellipsoidal, have a pruinose, thin, green-yellow skin and juicy flesh, characterised by marked freshness. Cultivation is concentrated in the province of Savona, in the hinterland of Noli, Spotorno, Quiliano and Finale Ligure, with some also found in the Genoa area. The wine is generally straw-yellow in colour, dry, light and savoury, with delicate aromas of yellow plum, fresh fruit, white flowers, cut grass and, at times, hints of the Mediterranean. The structure is light but supported by acidity; it is at its best when young and fragrant, including in its semi-sparkling or sparkling versions. The name refers to the Ligurian ‘lumachina’, traditionally served with snails.
