Winemaker Notes
It is only natural that Lumassina, a rare grape exclusive to the Ligurian coast, should be served with another specialty of the region: crisp, lightly battered fried anchovies—supplemented, if you so wish, with calamari, little shrimp, thinly sliced fennel, and sage leaves (all deep-fried, naturally).
The Lumassina, a gently flowery, low-alcohol white that presents a barely noticeable spritz, brings a lemony springtime freshness, allowing it to act almost as a condiment to the fritto.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
Forming a crescent along Italy’s northwestern Mediterranean coast, Liguria is one of the country’s smallest regions. Though its ports, Genoa and Savona have welcomed foreign influence for centuries, the region today is experiencing a fresh interest in its own indigenous varieties. Liguria commits large efforts to the white Vermentino (also called Pigato) and the red varieties Rossese, Sangiovese and Dolcetto (also called Ormeasco in Liguria).
Liguria has no shortage of dizzyingly steep, coastal vineyards. On its eastern end in Cinqueterre, Vermentino grows along cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. On its west, bordering France, terraced, seaside vineyards are home to Rossese di Dolceacqua, Liguria’s powerful yet highly aromatic red.