Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino o Portofino

The wines of the Protected Designation of Origin Golfo del Tigullio Portofino, also known simply as Portofino, are white (with sparkling, sparkling and raisin variants), red (also sparkling and new) and rosé (also sparkling). Then there are the types with indication of vine: Bianchetta genovese (also sparkling), Vermentino (also sparkling), Ciliegiolo (also sparkling and new), Moscato (also passito) and Scimiscià. Furthermore, the Costa dei Fieschi sub-area is also included.

Grapes

The white Portofino is vinified starting from grapes coming from vineyards composed, for at least 60%, from Vermentino and Bianchetta genovese vines, alone or jointly. Red, on the other hand, requires a base of at least 60% of Ciliegiolo or Dolcetto. In both cases, the remaining 40% (maximum) may be composed of other similar berry vines suitable for cultivation in Liguria. The wines with indication of the vine, however, must have a corresponding proportion of grapes equal to at least 85%. The exceptions are Moscato and Moscato passito, which are produced in purity with only white Moscato grapes.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

All Portofino stand out as wines with rather intense and lively colors, combined with delicate and persistent aromas and a harmonious taste. In the sparkling versions, moreover, they have a fine and evanescent froth. White (10.5% vol) is straw-colored, more or less loaded, and stands out for its savory taste. Red (10.5% vol), with an intense ruby hue, has a fine and characteristic odor and on the palate it is of medium body, dry and with tannic vein. In the rosé (10.5% vol) a winey smell is made, combined with a delicate fragrance and a fresh, dry and harmonious flavor. In the specification it is also possible to study the organoleptic characteristics of single-vine wines, closely linked to the grapes used in the production.

Grape production area

The Gulf of Tigullio is produced in the eastern part of Liguria, in an area that almost completely coincides with the province of Genoa.

Specificity and historical notes

Probably, according to historical reconstructions, the development of viticulture in the area of the Gulf of Tigullio is attributed to the Benedictine monks in the Middle Ages.