Lost, forgotten, in love: Vermentino Nero
Unknown grape varieties worth discovering
30 January 2026 · Mary Victoria Kraaz
Between sea breezes, steep slopes, and sun-kissed coastal hillsides, an almost forgotten grape variety is making a comeback: Vermentino Nero—the dark surprise from Liguria.
Wait a minute – Vermentino is white, isn't it?
Yes, one would think so. But this one shows a completely different color. Deep red instead of pale yellow – and just as full of character. A wine for all those who love grape varieties that don't fit into boxes.
Grape variety profile
Vermentino Nero – Dark, spicy, surprising
- Name: Vermentino Nero
- Origin: Liguria
- Type: rare indigenous red wine grape
- Style: deep ruby red, spicy bouquet, aromas of red and black berries, floral notes, medium to full-bodied, moderate tannins, lively freshness
Vermentino Nero is exciting: elegant and structured as a pure red wine, as well as a unique expression of origin and character in regional cuvées.
Technical data Cantine Lunae Vermentino Nero
- Winery: Cantine Lunae (Liguria)
- Grape variety: 100% Vermentino Nero
- Aging: Stainless steel (fermentation), 6 months in large wooden barrels (20 hl)
- Location: Hilly slopes & sandy soils in Luni, Castelnuovo Magra & surrounding area
- Style: Delicate yet complex aromas: floral notes of violets and wild roses, accompanied by fresh red fruits and subtle spicy nuances. Fresh and lively on the palate, with excellent tannin structure and a slightly almond-like finish that gives it great personality.
- Character: Elegant, typical of the region, with a fine structure and depth Special feature: Old, rare grape variety – reinterpreted
Winery in focus: Cantine Lunae – Revival with sophistication
Cantine Lunae from the Luni – La Spezia – Liguria region is one of the pioneers that has reinterpreted Vermentino Nero. Since the first edition in 2018, the grape variety has been vinified as a single variety, with careful hand harvesting, 10 days of maceration, and aging in large oak barrels.
Food pairing – what goes well with Vermentino Nero
- Grilled beef or game (e.g., venison)
- Hearty stew with mushrooms
- Smoked sheep's cheese or Pecorino
- Somewhat surprising here: slightly chilled with grilled fish
A wine that combines coastal sophistication with earthiness – a bridge between flavors and tradition.
Special: The grape variety as a type – Vermentino Nero on Tinder
Vermentino Nero, 100+ years old, origin: Liguria
“Spicy. Profound. Sea-fresh.”
Loves dark fruits, floral notes, and salty minerality.
Not a fan of light country wines or mass production.
“I'm a little coastal acrobat – spicy, fresh, and ready to surprise.”
Swipe right – I'm #DarkAndDynamic
Mary Victoria Kraaz
Mary Victoria Kraaz combines Irish-Bavarian roots with impressive international wine expertise. After working for Lodovico Antinori, Manincor in South Tyrol, and the leading biodynamic winery Peter Jakob Kühn, she now shapes the world of wine from Maremma in Tuscany.
With an academic background in viticulture, oenology, and international wine management (B.A. International Wine Management; M.Sc. Viticulture, Oenology & Wine Economics), as well as WSET Level 3, she combines profound expertise with practical advice. Her focus is on organic, natural and terroir wines, pairing strategies for upscale gastronomy and wines with storytelling potential for international hospitality concepts – expertise that makes her a sought-after consultant and taster.
