The geographical area of the Cinque Terre and the Val di Magra brings together two profoundly different yet complementary wine-growing landscapes, united by the influence of the Ligurian Sea and a long agricultural tradition. On the Cinque Terre coast, vines grow on steep, sun-drenched slopes overlooking the sea, shaped over the centuries by terraces supported by dry-stone walls. The rugged terrain, sea breezes and significant variations in aspect and altitude favour the balanced ripening of the grapes, resulting in refined aromatic profiles, freshness and a distinctive savoury character.
The soils consist of a complex alternation of sandstone, schist and clay-limestone formations, often fragmented and concentrated within the small terraces. It is in this context that Bosco, Albarola and Vermentino – the varieties historically linked to the Cinque Terre appellation – find their fullest expression. These grapes produce delicate, persistent dry whites, characterised by floral, herbaceous and marine notes, as well as Sciacchetrà, made by drying the finest grapes and produced in sweet, intense and long-lived styles.
Towards the hinterland, the Val di Magra offers a more open and varied landscape, with hills, alluvial plains and slopes descending towards the river and the coast. Here, the climate retains a distinct Mediterranean character, tempered by sea breezes and influenced by the Apennine mountains. The soils, which are deeper and easier to work than those on the coast, support a diverse range of viticulture, in which Vermentino is the main variety alongside Albarola, Bosco and red grape varieties such as Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo.
The range of wines includes those from the Cinque Terre and Colli di Luni DOCs, alongside regional expressions of the IGT Liguria di Levante. The manual cultivation of the terraced vineyards, the selection of the grapes and the balance between traditional practices and modern techniques highlight the identity of an area where landscape, history and wine form an inseparable whole.