The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Liguria

DOCStill huntingModerate

Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino (Portofino) DOC

The Riviera di Levante's everyday DOC, and the home of Bianchetta Genovese, a low-alcohol white with green apple, white flowers and a chalky, slightly bitter finish that tastes like it was designed for trofie al pesto. Vermentino from here is a little riper and rounder than the Ponente version. Ciliegiolo makes pale, peppery, cherry-scented reds meant for a slight chill. Bisson, which also ages sparkling wine under the sea in the Bay of Portofino, is the name that carries the appellation abroad.

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Bottles I'm chasing

ProducerWinePriceBuy
Bisson
Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino Bianchetta Genovese U Pastine
Rosenthal import; the reference Bianchetta, light and chalky with green apple, fennel and a saline snap.
$22 to $28Wine-Searcher
Bisson
Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino Vermentino Vigna Erta
Rosenthal import; richer than the Bianchetta, with pear, dried herbs and a bitter almond finish.
$24 to $30Wine-Searcher
Bisson
Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino Ciliegiolo
Pale, crunchy red with sour cherry and white pepper; serve cool, the DOC's red face in the US.
$22 to $28Wine-Searcher