ntil a few years ago, looking at a map of Italian D.O.C. wines one could reach the conclusion that there weren't any vineyards in Liguria between the Cinque Terre and the Riviera del Ponente. However, a drive on the breathtaking coastal road that links the Cinque Terre to Genoa reveals a succession of vineyards clinging onto the cliffs all the way up to the hills overlooking Genoa itself.The territory of the Colline di Levanto D.O.C. is a natural continuation of the Cinque Terre, to which it resembles in the structure of its soil, in its climate, the position of its vineyards, and the type of vines grown. Needless to say, the wine produced in this territory is as sensational as that of the Cinque Terre.
Here too the most widely used grape variety is the Vermentino, which adapts itself perfectly to the lean, parched soil of these vineyards, which are permanently exposed to the sea breeze. The wine obtained from this grape is bright straw yellow with green hues. It has an intense, vinous perfume and a delicate, lingering bouquet. It is savory and acid with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste.
Besides the white, Colline di Levanto also includes a light red obtained from Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo grapes. The same grapes also yield a very pleasant Novello that is having discreet success on the market.
