Description

Established in 1939, winemaker Antonio Basso represents the third generation of farmers from Ortovero, and tends some 259 separate, small vineyards on steep hillsides just three miles away from the azure Mediterranean as the crow flies. Altitude here ranges from 150 feet to as high as 2,100 feet; soils are equally varied, from dark, fertile patches to ruddy, iron-rich soils, to the “terra bianca” mix of white clay and sand. This is the inspired madness of vine growing in mountanous Liguria—so much so that there are only a few dozen, full-time producers in the region.

Harvest is as a rule by hand, and grapes are cared for as naturally as possible. In general, white grapes are macerated in tank for one day then pressed; juice is fermented on indigenous yeasts at low temperatures.

The Pigato Superiore ‘A Matetta’ is a complex white wine of layered ripe fruit, spice, and brisk sea air from the estate’s oldest vineyards. This is a must have for any picnic basket or seafood feast! ‘A Matetta’ is local dialect, meaning ‘To Angelica,’ the winemaker’s daughter and youngest child.