he attractive hilly landscape surrounding the appealing city of Lucca seems to have been destined since the beginning to the cultivation of the vine.Viticultural has, in fact, been practiced in the district since the era of the Etruscans. Grape growing was considerably intensified as a consequence of the area's subsequent occupation by the Liguri, who, as is widely known, had acquired considerable experience in the cultivation of vines. By the time the Romans reached the zone, agriculture had already attained advanced levels and provided the foundation for substantial economic growth.
The prosperity of this agricultural area and the widespread practice of viticulture in ancient times are indicated in numerous documents dating from periods before the year 1000. According to those records, the slopes of the hills to the north of Lucca were covered with vineyards as early as the 9th century.
According to some of those documents, a total of 168,300 barrels of "clear, vermilion, pure and frank'"wine were shipped from Lucca in 1334 and most of that amount came from the surrounding hills. The quality of the wine was greatly appreciated by leading figures in the country's history. Among them, Pope Paul III Farnese, who reigned from 1534 to 1549, developed a great affection for the wines made in the vicinity during a visit to Lucca.
This page was written by Stefano Milioni. Background image and most photos in this section courtesy of Giuliano Bugialli, all right reserved (see Copyright and Credits).
he attractive hilly landscape surrounding the appealing city of Lucca seems to have been destined since the beginning to the cultivation of the vine.Viticultural has, in fact, been practiced in the district since the era of the Etruscans. Grape growing was considerably intensified as a consequence of the area's subsequent occupation by the Liguri, who, as is widely known, had acquired considerable experience in the cultivation of vines. By the time the Romans reached the zone, agriculture had already attained advanced levels and provided the foundation for substantial economic growth.