Pornassio is one of the iconic centres of wine-growing in the upper Arroscia Valley, in the Imperia hinterland, where the vines thrive in a mountainous landscape still influenced by the proximity of the Ligurian Sea. The vineyards are mainly situated on terraced slopes and well-exposed valleys, generally at altitudes of between 400 and 800 metres, in an environment characterised by steep slopes, constant breezes and significant daily temperature variations that promote the gradual ripening of the grapes.
The soils derive from marine sediments, predominantly sandstone and calcareous marl, and vary in texture from coarse loam to finer-grained soils. This geological composition, together with the availability of water and the sunny exposure, helps to produce fresh, fragrant wines with a balanced structure.
The signature grape variety is Ormeasco, the local name for Dolcetto, which has been cultivated in the area for centuries and is the star of the Ormeasco di Pornassio or Pornassio appellation. The various styles include red wines, rosés in the traditional ‘Sciac-trà’ style, and passito wines, produced using winemaking techniques tailored to the characteristics of the grapes and the conditions of the terroir. The reds are characterised by vivid colour, delicate aromas, good acidity and harmonious length, reflecting a tradition that is both Alpine and Mediterranean. The history of its cultivation is documented as far back as 1303, when an edict mandated its presence in the territories governed by the Marquises of Clavesana.
