The Colli di Luni DOC is an interregional appellation: it covers the hills of the lower Magra valley, between the province of La Spezia in Liguria and that of Massa-Carrara in Tuscany. It takes its name from the ancient Roman city of Luni. It was recognised by the decree of 14 June 1989, and has about 162 hectares and an output of 10,440 hectolitres.
An ancient reputation
Pliny the Elder already wrote of the wine made in this area: «The wine of Luni holds the palm among those of Etruria» (XVI, 6, 68). Viticulture here has always been tied to Vermentino, and it took hold from the eighteenth century, with a thriving trade towards the cities that were then growing fast.
The whites
The Vermentino requires at least 90% of the grape and may also be Superiore. It is a straw-coloured white with aromas of white flowers, Mediterranean herbs, citrus and peach, and a savoury, slightly bitter finish. Alongside it is Albarola, a local grape, with at least 85%: a lighter, more delicate white. The Bianco combines at least 35% Vermentino, 25 to 40% Trebbiano and other white grapes up to 30%.
The reds
The Rosso is made from at least 50% Sangiovese with other red grapes for the rest; it may become Riserva, with at least two years of ageing and release from 1 November of the second year after the harvest. It is a medium-bodied red with aromas of cherry and spice. The appellation's minimum alcohol is 11%.
The Vermentino goes with anchovies, trofie with pesto, farinata, seafood and baked fish; the Albarola with seafood starters; the Rosso with cured meats, vegetable pies and white meats, the Riserva with roasts. Two other lands of Vermentino are Sardinia, with Vermentino di Sardegna, and the Tuscan coast of the Maremma.
