The Bianchetta Genovese grape is a white grape variety native to Liguria, but it is also cultivated in Tuscany, in the province of Massa-Carrara. It is widespread throughout the Riviera di Levante, where it is known as Albarola, with DNA analyses revealing very strong coinciding similarities. For this reason, they are considered essentially a single variety. Thanks to its early ripening, which allows for optimal maturity in colder years, it thrives in the high-altitude Ligurian hills with challenging soils. Bianchetta Genovese is a vigorous grape variety that prefers cool climates and hilly areas with good exposure and ventilation. It has no issues with saline winds coming from the sea.
The clusters of Bianchetta Genovese are medium-sized, winged, with small to medium berries that are greenish-yellow in color, with thin skins and medium concentrations of bloom. Bianchetta Genovese is included in several Ligurian denominations of origin, such as Colli di Luni DOC, Golfo del Tigullio DOC, Colline di Levanto DOC, and Val Polcevera DOC, as well as Cinque Terre DOC, where it is also used for Sciacchetrà. The use of Bianchetta Genovese is almost always in blends; it is rarely vinified as a pure variety. It adds delicate and elegant aromas to wines, often floral and slightly fruity, while on the palate, it provides good sapidity, a dry taste, and good structure. Wines made from Bianchetta Genovese pair well with fatty fish and large fish, perhaps cooked with citrus. It can also be paired with fresh sausages and medium-aged cheeses.
