Bianchetta

Bianchetta

The Ligurian native grape variety, also known as “Gianchetta” or “Giunchetta,” originates from the Valpolcevera and extends along the eastern Riviera to Sestri Levante. It exhibits a vibrant and delicate tension, embodying an impatient, curious, and satisfying character. Its colour showcases delicate straw-yellow tones, while the nose reveals hints of freshly cut grass, fresh fruit, and delicate flowers. On the palate, it offers a refreshing, graceful, and elegant sip that is anything but ordinary.

Insights

The Bianchetta Genovese is often confused with the Albarola grape variety. Among its places of origin and greater distribution in the Tigullio area are Val Graveglia and Val Petronio, where Verici is considered the putative capital of Bianchetta. 

Features

The Grape Variety
Delicate and fragile, the Bianchetta Genovese does not thrive in hot climates or near the sea, so it is cultivated inland, higher up the hills. It has a bushy growth habit that is difficult to manage unless tied and pruned extensively. The leaves are medium-sized, pentagonal, and five-lobed. The grape bunch is medium-sized, compact, and elongated, cylindrical-conical in shape, sometimes with a small wing. The berries are medium in size and spherical, with a yellowish, pruinose skin and soft flesh. 

The Bianchetta Genovese can be used
As the main grape variety in Val Polcevera Bianchetta DOP (minimum 85%) and Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino Bianchetta DOP (minimum 85%). 
As a secondary variety in Val Polcevera Bianco DOP (minimum 60%, alone or combined with Vermentino and/or Albarola) and Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino Bianco DOP (minimum 60%, alone or combined with Vermentino) - as a complementary variety in all regional DOP and IGP wines. 

How it's made

The wine exhibits a pale straw-yellow hue, with olfactory hints of freshly cut grass, fresh fruit, and delicate flowers. It offers a refreshing, gentle, and elegant taste, never dull. 

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