Wineries and vineyards for sale in Lucca

Lucca is an Italian city and municipality located in the region of Tuscany, in the north-central part of the country. On a fertile plain close to the Tyrrhenian Sea, bordering the Pizzorne plateau (to the north) and the Pisan Mountains (to the south), along the left bank of the Serchio River.

Lucca had Etruscan origins and later, it was established as a Roman city, as shown by many vestiges still visible today in the streets of the historic center.

Invaded by the Goths, then by the Byzantines and the Franks, Lucca became one of the most important capitals of the Lombard kingdom to which Charlemagne gave more luster by making it the residence of Aldalberto I, Marquis of Tuscany.

The Middle Ages brought prosperity to Lucca, which became a pilgrimage destination thanks to the presence of the Holy Face in the church of San Martino. Despite the constant struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines, Lucca was, in the 14th century, undoubtedly one of the most important cities of the Italian Middle Ages. Under the subsequent rule of the Visconti family and the dictatorship of Giovanni Dell'Agnello, Doge of the Republic of Pisa, a period of great decline followed.

After regaining its freedom in 1370, Lucca opted for a republican government and remained an independent republic until 1799, when it fell into the hands of the Austrians. It became a principality and then the duchy of Maria Luisa de Bourbon, before finally becoming part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1860, Lucca became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

HISTORY OF WINE

The rural territory of the Lucca, Monte Carlo and Versilia Wine and Oil Route, in the province of Lucca, is unique in Tuscany. From the white marble peaks of the Apuan Alps, framing the blue of the Versilian sea from Forte dei Marmi to Viareggio, passing through the historic centres of Seravezza, Pietrasanta, Camaiore and Massarosa to reach the gentle, bright hills of Lucca. Then continue along sunny slopes to discover the historic villages of the Municipality of Capannori, Montecarlo with its Fort and ending in Altopascio, the city of bread and the Knights of Tau.

This land, the plain of Lucca (Lucchesia), and its extra virgin olive oil DOP of Lucca, contains a spectacular variety of natural environments, sea, mountains, valleys, hills and historic centres, guardians of an ancient culture, which has nourished this rural civilisation for centuries. An ancient agriculture, in the cultivation of the land, the vine, the olive tree and in the practice of fishing.

Montecarlo, a small treasure just a few kilometres from Lucca, famous throughout the world for its precious DOC Montecarlo wines and its imposing Fort. Then, leaving the plain to go towards Barga and Castelvecchio Pascoli and towards the coast, enjoy Versilia, from Camaiore to Viareggio with the thousands of colours of the excellent fruit and vegetable and flower production.

WINES AND WINERIES

Among the top wine regions to explore near Lucca are the prestigious Montecarlo DOC and Colline Lucchesi, which represent the area's unique winemaking tradition. In addition to these denominations, the region also produces excellent IGT wines.

The province of Lucca, nestled in the northwest of Tuscany, is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic charm, and growing reputation as a quality wine-producing area. The region is home to several DOCs and a range of wines that showcase its unique terroir, influenced by both the inland hills and the proximity to the Tyrrhenian coast.

One of the primary DOCs in Lucca is the Lucca DOC, which produces a variety of wines, both red and white, with Sangiovese as the dominant red grape variety. This DOC is recognized for its versatile wines, which offer bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavors, often with a good balance of structure and freshness.

Lucca is also home to the Montecarlo DOC, a designation that produces both reds and whites. The Montecarlo Rosso is typically made from a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, while the whites often feature Trebbiano and Vermentino, offering fresh, aromatic wines that reflect the region's mild climate.

Colline Lucchesi DOC, for white and red wines in the Italian region of Tuscany. The area includes the three municipalities of Capannori, Lucca, and Porcari in the province of Lucca. The name means "hills of Lucca." The white varieties are Trebbiano Toscano, blended with Chardonnay, Greco, Grechetto, Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vermentino.

Rosso is produced from Sangiovese blended with Canaiolo Nero, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, and Syrah. Single-varietal wines must contain at least 85% of the respective variety, as well as a maximum of 15% of other permitted varieties.

The white Vin Santo is produced using any of the white varieties authorized for secco and amabile, and the rosé Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice uses any of the red varieties authorized for dolce.

Another important wine designation in the area is the Versilia DOC, which stretches along the coast of Lucca. This region is better known for producing crisp, refreshing white wines, often made from varieties such as Trebbiano and Vermentino, which are perfect for the warm coastal climate.

In addition to these DOCs, the Toscana IGT label applies to many of the premium wines produced in Lucca. These wines, made from both native and international grape varieties, offer a broader range of styles and are a testament to the creativity and modernity of Lucca’s winemakers.

Though Lucca does not have DOCGs, the quality and character of its wines, particularly those from Montecarlo and Lucca DOC, are increasingly gaining recognition. With its rich winemaking heritage and diverse terroir, the province of Lucca is emerging as an important player in the Tuscan wine scene, offering wines that balance tradition and innovation.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Lucca, surrounded by ancient walls from the 16th century, has historical monuments such as the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, an oval space that was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheatre from the 2nd century, the 44-metre-high Guinigi Tower and the Cathedral of San Martino. With a history that dates back to the Etruscan and Roman periods, Lucca's cultural heritage shines through its art, music and gastronomy. The Church of San Michele in Foro, Basilica of San Frediano. The Palazzo Pfanner, a 17th-century palace, a treasure of the Renaissance in the historic centre of the city with Italian Baroque gardens that are a haven of peace. The Pfanner family of brewers built the first brewery in the Duchy of Lucca in 1846.

Dante himself spent some time in exile in Lucca, and it is also the birthplace of composers Giacomo Puccini, Francesco Geminiani, Luigi Boccherini and Alfredo Catalini.

Among the unusual places in Lucca is the Devil's Bridge with its spectacular, unique shape.