Pigato, a highly delicious grape variety

Pigato is an exceptional white grape variety, indigenous to and characteristic of western Liguria, Italy. It is mainly grown in the Riviera Ligure di Ponente appellation, in the west of the region, around the port city of Albenga. Pigato is considered a clone of Vermentino, but it has a more complete ripening, which gives the grapes a golden colour and dark spots on the surface called "pighe". These spots have earned it the name Pigato, which means dirty in the local dialect.

History:

The origin of Pigato dates back to ancient times when the Phoenicians began to cultivate vines in the Ligurian region. The variety was cultivated and improved by local farmers over the centuries, until it became one of the most popular white grape varieties in the region.

Characteristics:

Pigato is an early ripening variety that prefers clay and limestone soils. Pigato grapes have a thick skin and high sugar content, which gives them a balanced acidity and fruity flavour. Pigato wines are usually fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve their fresh, fruity character.

The best production areas for Pigato are the Cru of Marixe, a sunny terrace in the hinterland of Albenga, the climate of Lanzo further inland and the climate of the Diano Arentino highlands in the province of Imperia. Only 265 hectares of this very indigenous vine are grown in this area.

Tasting notes:

Pigato produces a straw-coloured wine with an intense, fruity and floral fragrance. On the palate, it is generally firm in structure, moderately sweet, with good acidity and a pronounced taste with a pleasant almond finish.

Food and wine pairing:

Pigato wines go well with seafood, seafood pasta, vegetable dishes, white meats and soft cheeses.

Serving and storage:

Wines containing Pigato should be served cool, between 13 and 16 degrees. Like all light wines, it has no ageing potential. It is therefore recommended to taste it young to experience its freshness and intensity.

You can find this variety in the wines of our partners Rocche del Gatto and Poggio dei Gorleri.