Sweet Muscat wines, produced from a wide variety of Muscat grape varieties, can be found in many different styles throughout Italy. Sweet wines crafted from Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains) are found in only about half of Italy’s wine-growing regions—and even then, usually in just a single DOC. We tasted a sweet Muscat wine from Liguria: the 2024 Moscato DOC Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino from the Pinogino winery.
The Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino wine-growing region stretches along the Ligurian Sea—starting just west of Genoa—all the way to the border with the province of La Spezia in the southeast; it also encompasses adjacent municipalities located in the hinterland.
Located in Castiglione Chiavarese, about 15 kilometers from the sea, lies the family-run Pinogino winery. There, the estate cultivates 5 hectares of vineyards—planted predominantly with Vermentino, Bianchetta Genovese, and Ciliegiolo, as well as smaller quantities of Dolcetto and Moscato Bianco.
It was there—not far from the winery—that Alex had spent his vacation last year with his wife and children; he brought the wine along to our most recent Canasta gathering.
The wine is produced from 100% Moscato Bianco grapes. The harvest is carried out by hand; according to DOC regulations, the maximum yield is limited to 45 hl/ha, and the alcohol content must fall between 5.50% and 7.00% by volume.
We enjoyed the Moscato alongside an orange crème brûlée, with which it harmonized beautifully.
2024 Moscato Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino DOC, Pinogino (Tasted)
On the nose: fresh and fruity, with notes of elderflower, orange zest, and a hint of pear. On the palate: fruity, featuring a fine, subtle sweetness, floral notes, orange, and pear. Juicy, airy and ethereal, with a delicate spiciness in the beautiful, very long finish. A very good wine.