Colline Lucchesi

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The soils derive from two typically Tuscan formations, the calcareous marl of alberese and the sandstone of the Tuscan macigno, of predominantly Paleocene and Miocene geological origin.
• The clay soils of the calcareous marls produce wines of power and longevity, while the Tuscan macigno, thanks to its mineral richness, contributes outstanding aging potential.
• The climate varies considerably depending on whether the Apennine influence prevails, with abundant rainfall well distributed throughout the year and significant diurnal temperature variation, or the Mediterranean influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea, with intense sunlight and good ventilation.
• On the western slope, certain areas — especially around the Valfreddana — are particularly well suited to white wines, while on the eastern slope red wines predominate.
• The Serchio river divides the two slopes of the appellation, shaping the climate of the entire Lucca plain, which is humid and subject to frost, while the steep hillsides protect the vineyards.
• The estates are mostly situated at mid-slope, shared with olive cultivation, on both slopes equally exposed to the south and enjoying full sunlight.
• The production zone, located in northern Tuscany, is wedged between the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea and encompasses the communes of Lucca, Capannori, and Porcari in the province of Lucca.

• Sangiovese, known locally as 'Sangioveto' by the people of Lucca, has long been blended with Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, and Colorino, as well as Merlot and Syrah and a small proportion of Moscati and Aleatici.
• In the 1400s, Pope Paul III's sommelier, Sante Lanciero, wrote that these were wines of excellent quality, carefully prepared and especially suited to offering guests.
• The DOC Colline Lucchesi Rosso dates back to 28 May 1968, among the very first appellations recognised in Tuscany, while the DOC Bianco was recognised in 1985.
• In the early 1600s, the Republic of Lucca enacted a law prohibiting the export of wine beyond the state's borders, consolidating the local orientation toward the consumption of wine from Lucca.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Italy

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-IT-A1387