Ormeasco

Also known as Dolcetto.

Ormeasco is the Ligurian name for Dolcetto, the Piedmontese red grape, grown in the upper Arroscia valley and western hills of Liguria (province of Imperia), where it is the base of the Pornassio (Ormeasco di Pornassio) DOC. It reflects the historic cultural links between Liguria and neighbouring Piedmont.

As Dolcetto, it gives deeply coloured, fruity reds of black cherry and plum with soft-to-moderate tannins, low acidity and a characteristic almondy, slightly bitter finish; in Liguria it is also made into a pale rosato called Sciac-trà and a passito.