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What Is Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà DOC?
Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà DOC is one of Italy’s most enchanting dessert wines—a golden vino passito born from the steep terraced vineyards of Liguria. While the broader Cinque Terre DOC includes fresh white wines, Sciacchetrà stands apart as a rare, handcrafted wine treasured for its deep amber color, honeyed aromas, and remarkable longevity.
History and Origins
Viticulture in the Cinque Terre dates back to Roman times, when terraced vineyards were carved into the cliffs to prevent soil erosion and harness sunlight. By the Middle Ages, Sciacchetrà was already celebrated as a wine for nobility and feasts.
The word “Sciacchetrà” likely derives from the Ligurian dialect—sciac (“press”) and trà (“pull out”)—describing its traditional production process. Other theories link it to Greek or Armenian words for “wine” or “sugar,” highlighting the region’s historic trade connections. The wine’s modern romantic reputation was cemented in the late 19th century when painter Telemaco Signorini immortalized it in literature as “the color of the most brilliant gold.”
Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir
Sciacchetrà comes exclusively from the Cinque Terre DOC zone, which includes the iconic villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, and parts of La Spezia.
Vineyards cling to terraces overlooking the Ligurian Sea, supported by ancient muretti a secco (dry-stone walls). This heroic viticulture landscape—recognized by UNESCO—creates wines infused with maritime breezes, intense sunlight, and soils that vary from limestone inland to sandy clay closer to the coast. The result: vibrant acidity, concentrated fruit, and a mineral backbone.
The Grapes Behind Sciacchetrà
Sciacchetrà is a blend of indigenous white grapes:
- Bosco (minimum 40%) – the backbone, known for its sturdy clusters and capacity to develop complex aromas during drying
- Albarola (up to 40%) – brings freshness and floral notes
- Vermentino (up to 40%) – adds aromatics and coastal minerality
- Other local white grapes (max 20%) may complement the blend
This grape mix connects Sciacchetrà to other Italian passito wines like Tuscany’s Vin Santo and Pantelleria’s Passito di Pantelleria, but its flavor remains uniquely Ligurian.
Winemaking & DOC Regulations
Making Sciacchetrà is a labor of devotion.
- Grapes are hand-harvested in late September and placed on racks to dry for at least 50 days, often beyond November 1st.
- During this drying, berries lose water, concentrating sugars and flavors. Only 30–35% juice remains.
- Fermentation is slow, yielding a luscious, sweet wine with a minimum 17% alcohol, of which at least 13.5% must occur naturally.
- The DOC allows for extended aging, producing a wine that can remain vibrant for decades.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
| DOC Established | 1973 |
| Region | Liguria (Cinque Terre) |
| Vineyard Area | ~58 ha (143 acres) |
| Production Volume | ~24,900 cases annually |
| Main Grape | Bosco (min 40%) |
| Style | Passito dessert wine |
| Alcohol | Min 17% (≥13.5% natural) |
| Bottle Size | Often 375ml |
Sciacchetrà vs. Other Italian Passito Wines
| Wine | Region | Grapes | Alcohol | Profile |
| Sciacchetrà | Liguria (Cinque Terre) | Bosco, Albarola, Vermentino | 17% | Honeyed, nutty, maritime minerality |
| Vin Santo | Tuscany | Trebbiano, Malvasia | 16–17% | Dried fruit, caramel, oxidative notes |
| Passito di Pantelleria | Sicily (Pantelleria) | Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) | 14–15% | Lush apricot, fig, tropical fruit |
| Recioto di Soave | Veneto | Garganega | 13–14% | Almond, citrus peel, floral sweetness |
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Straw yellow in youth, deepening into golden amber with age
- Aromas: Dried apricot, candied citrus, honey, caramel, herbal notes, and roasted nuts
- Palate: Sweet yet balanced by bracing acidity and saline minerality; finishes long and elegant
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve Sciacchetrà slightly chilled (14 °C / 57 °F) in small tulip glasses.
Pair with:
- Traditional Ligurian pastries like pandolce
- Blue cheeses or aged pecorino
- Foie gras or dark chocolate desserts
- As a vino da meditazione, enjoyed on its own
Producer Spotlights
- Cantina Cinque Terre – the historic cooperative preserving the DOC’s heritage; their Sciacchetrà is a benchmark. Cantina 5 Terre Official Site
- Vétua – a boutique producer known for organic and biodynamic practices. Vétua on La Cucina Italiana
- Buran – family-run winery combining tradition with artisanal precision. Buran Wines
Where to Buy & Pricing
Because of its scarcity, Sciacchetrà is often sold in 375ml bottles at premium prices. Expect to find bottles in specialized Italian wine shops, directly from producers, or via platforms like Wine-Searcher.
Search for terms like “buy Sciacchetrà online” to find reliable retailers.
FAQ on Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà DOC
- Is Sciacchetrà fortified?
No, it’s a passito—sweetness comes from dried grapes, not added spirits. - How long can it age?
Decades. Its sugar and acidity make it exceptionally age-worthy. - Why is it so rare?
Steep terraces limit mechanization, yields are tiny, and much is consumed locally.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- Traditionally, Sciacchetrà was opened only at weddings, baptisms, or holidays.
- Known locally as “liquid gold,” it symbolizes prosperity and gratitude.
- UNESCO protects Cinque Terre’s vineyard terraces as a cultural heritage site.
Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
cheers@drinkitalian.com
If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta
Additionally, you can discover the other wines from Liguria.
