Scimiscià

The Scimiscià grape is an authochthonal variety of Liguria and it was almost completely extinct, but it still exists thanks to the efforts of some sensible producers who have saved a few rows, exclusively in Val Fontanabuona, in the province of Genoa, in the hinterland of Chiavari and Lavagna. In 2003 it was included among the varieties recommended and authorized for the Liguria region. The name is dialect and means “cimiciato”, dotted, because of the presence of small dots on its berry (Pigato has its name for the same reason, from the dialect “picau”, meaning speckled). It is a grape of ancient and mysterious origins. Its yield is very low and the grapes are very sugary. From Scimiscià grape are obtained mostly dry wines, although there are dessert products of extraordinary complexity. The Scimiscià vine gives a pale yellow wine with greenish reflections, almost crystalline and with an excellent consistency. The scent shows floral and fruity notes, citrus and acacia flowers. The taste is warm, and savory, with mineral notes, fine and harmonious.