The traditional Ligurian terraces that we found hidden by vegetation have gradually reappeared and now leave room for the planting of new vineyards of an ancient grape, the Scimiscià, and the rebirth of an agricultural project.
San Lorenzo della Costa farm
The farm is located about 250 meters above sea level, on the Gulf of Tigullio, between Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo, perched on a steep coast degrading towards the sea on one side and inland on the other. The cultivation develops on typical Ligurian terraces, characterized by a calcareous-marly soil, and therefore also with a good clay component.
The total area is 1.6 hectares. Of which 1.1 hectare is in the process of recovering the original culture of olive trees and vines. After over 15 years of neglect, incredibly well-preserved dry stone walls, olive trees and the last vines that resisted climbing trees have re-emerged under the brambles. Small stone stairs that connect the terraces make you understand the work and commitment of those who had cultivated these lands in the past. 0.5 hectares will remain in oak, chestnut and elm woods
In 2019, 0.7 hectares of Scimiscià vineyard were planted for about 3500 plants. The olive trees will be maintained and integrated with other local fruit plants in the spaces where they will not hinder the development of the vine.
The Scimiscià
It is a white grape variety of ancient origins and with the dialectal name “Ximixa” (Simixà or Cimixà).
Grown in the Chiavarese area and especially in the Val Fontanabuona for at least four centuries, the variety, almost completely abandoned, has recently been “rediscovered” even if little more than 5 hectares are cultivated throughout Liguria.
In the past, this sugary variety and with a higher degree of acidity than other autochthonous vines (for example Vermentino), produced fine local white wines and was used to improve the musts of various grapes.
The great potential of the grape, capable of producing wines with an important structure and interesting aging potential, were the characteristics that convinced us to plant it. It is also known for its good adaptability to rocky and arid soils, like olive trees.
The choice was not easy since Vermentino and Bosco are typical and interesting vines, but Scimiscià or Çimixâ has always been grown in the Genoese hinterland, with a clear prevalence over other vines, with its strong peculiarities and characterizations, it has definitely conquered us.