Ormeasco is the name by which Dolcetto is traditionally known in Liguria, particularly in the inland areas of the province of Imperia. Its presence in the Arroscia Valley has been documented for centuries, and the name probably refers to the Piedmontese town of Ormea, confirming the ancient links between the Alpine and Ligurian regions. Today, it is the flagship grape variety of the Upper Arroscia Valley and the Argentina Valley, where it is mainly grown in terraced and hillside vineyards, influenced by the sea and the mountain climate of the Ligurian Alps. From an ampelographic point of view, it has small to medium-sized leaves, pentagonal or wedge-shaped, generally five-lobed, with a smooth or slightly pitted surface and veins that are often reddish-purple. The bunch is medium to large, conical, winged and moderately compact; the berry, medium to small in size, is spherical or ellipsoidal, with a blue-black or blue-black-violet skin and juicy flesh with a neutral flavour. The wine displays a vivid ruby-red colour, with aromas of cherry, morello cherry and redcurrant, accompanied by floral notes of violet and spicy undertones. On the palate, it combines freshness, savouriness, fine tannins and a balanced structure, with good length and appreciable ageing potential in the finest wines. The Ormeasco di Pornassio appellation also highlights the versatility of the grape variety, which is also produced as a rosé, passito and fortified passito.
