Wines of Lunigiana
Wines of Lunigiana were awarded the I.G.T. (Regional Geographical Indication) "Val di Magra" on 9th October 1995. The history of this wine is very recent, and the I.G.T. mark (Regional Geographical Indication) acknowledges the quality achieved by the local vine growers. The I.G.T. (Regional Geographical Indication) “Val di Magra" covers most of Lunigiana, from Pontremoli to Aulla, except the municipalities of Zeri and Comano.
In addition, another great wine is Colli di Luni which was awarded the D.O.C. (REGISTERED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN) mark in 1990. In the area of Luni, it was the Etruscans who began growing vines, which were then left to the Romans who used to make Lunense near their famous settlements.
The geographical area of D.O.C. (REGISTERED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN) Colli di Luni is located astride Liguria and Tuscany. The D.O.C. "Colli di Luni" covers the three municipalities of Fosdinovo, Aulla and Podenzana, in the province of Massa-Carrara, and as many as fourteen municipalities in the province of La Spezia.
Vines used to make D.O.C. (REGISTERED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN) Colli di Luni and I.G.T. (Regional Geographical Indication) Val di Magra are described below.
Vines used to make D.O.C. Colli di Luni
The blend required to make Vermentino is 90% and other licensed and recommended vines up to 10%;
for white wine: Vermentino (minimum 35%) Trebbiano Toscano (25-40%), other licensed and recommended white grape vines up to 30%;
for red wine: Sangiovese (60-70%), Canaiolo and/or red Pollera and/or Ciliegiolo (at least 15%), other licensed and recommended red grape vines up to 25%, or up to 10% for Cabernet.
Organoleptic specifications:
Colli di Luni Vermentino: pale or rich straw yellow; typical fruity flavour; dry, well-balanced taste with mild almond notes. Minimum alcoholic strength: 11.5°.
Colli di Luni Bianco: straw yellow; gently pleasant flavour; dry, well-balanced, typical taste. Minimum alcoholic strength 11°.
Colli di Luni Rosso: pale or dark ruby red, verging on garnet red if aged; delicate, winy flavour; dry, well-balanced, fine taste. Minimum alcoholic strength 11,5°.
Recommended food combinations:
Colli di Luni Vermentino is perfect for shellfish, fish starters, soups, pasta dishes with fish sauces and fry-ups.
D.O.C. White is ideal for all Ligurian dishes, light starters, soups and pasta with pesto, mesciua and dried cod Vicentina style.
Red is better with Tuscan food, especially soups, red and white meats, barbecues and mature cheese.
I.G.T. (Regional Geographical Indication)
Vines of Val di Magra
Vines required to make white "Val di Magra" include: Durella, Albarola, Trebbiano and Vermentino;
for red "Val di Magra": Pollera, Ciliegiolo, Groppello and Merlot.
For rosé "Val di Magra": Pollera, Ciliegiolo and Merlot.
Organoleptic specifications:
White Val di Magra: pale or rich straw yellow.
Mild, slightly fragrant and typical flavour.
Dry, full-bodied taste.
Red Val di Magra: rich ruby red.
Rich, typical flavour. Fresh, well-balanced, full-bodied taste.
Rosé Val di Magra: bright ruby red. Rich, typical, slightly fruity flavour. Dry taste.
Recommended food combinations:
White Val di Magra is a good match with cold starters, vegetable soups, gnocchi, testaroli al pesto, herb tarts and fish soups.
The Red is ideal with meat starters, hams, testaroli with Bolognese sauce, lamb kebabs and roast chicken.
The Rosé is fine with Parmigiana aubergines, filled pasta, mature cheese.
