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Winemaker: Antonio Basso

Curl west along the coast from the well-trod slopes of Cinque Terre and past Genoa, and you’ll discover the Ligurian Riviera’s most delicious—yet virtually undiscovered—terroir for white wines.

Few bottles make it past these shores to cross the Atlantic, which is why our partnership with the Basso family of Durin is especially exciting. This family farm is first and foremost a labor of love—love for the region’s native varietals and the hard work it takes to cultivate vines in this mountainous landscape. The precipitous hills of Liguria make Côte Rôtie look like a cakewalk—in many parts steep, terraced hillsides run straight into the sea. This indomitable stony terroir, combined with a passion for fine and fresh, sun- and sea-kissed wines, is the calling card of Durin.

Winemaker Antonio Basso represents the third generation of a line of farmers from Ortovero; while his parents did everything they could to keep him from following in their footsteps and living a life tied to the rugged earth, Basso couldn’t shake the feeling that he both belonged in and to his homeland. The family’s approx. 40 acres of land are broken up into small parcels both in the plains around Ortovero and coiled around terraced hillsides, cut by the Centa and Arroscia rivers. Vines here are naturally low yielding, and grapes as a result are rich, ripe and infused with the character of the land.

Durin produces single-varietal wines, as to best showcase the history and purity of its native grapes. The “prince” of Ligurian wines is Pigato, a white grape native to the region and cultivated for more than 100 years on these rocky slopes. Originally from Greece, Pigato is believed to have been introduced to Liguria around the 1600s, and is a distant cousin of Vermentino. Its name comes from the word “pighe,” which in Ligurian dialect describes the small, rusty brown spots that develop on the grape’s skin. Intensely perfumed, medium-bodied and very fresh, Pigato is an obvious pair with Ligurian seafood dishes.

Ormeasco is the Ligurian name for Dolcetto, yet in this seaside region this juicy grape develops a thicker skin, which gives it more tannic structure. The Durin Ormeasco is rich and full-bodied, and very juicy. 

Durin Riviera Ligure di Ponente Pigato 2010 Italy / Liguria Originally from Greece, Pigato made its way to Liguria in the 1600s, and is believed to be a cousin of Vermentino. Today it is almost exclusively tied to the Ligurian Riviera, where vines curl and dig into amazingly steep, terraced hillsides. The mouth is medium-bodied with great mineral expression… $20.50

Durin Pornassio Ormeasco 2009 Italy / Liguria Endlessly juicy, this bountiful, beautiful red from the native Ormeasco grape (similar to Dolcetto but with more of an earthy, structured core) blends aromas of blackberries, cherries and violets. The mouth is lush and fruity, with good grip and plenty of baking spices. An ideal wine for the table as its impeccable balance and freshness makes it a perfect pair with a wide range of cuisine. Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.

Durin Riviera Ligure di Ponente Pigato 2009 Italy / Liguria Originally from Greece, Pigato made its way to Liguria in the 1600s, and is believed to be a cousin of Vermentino. Today it is almost exclusively tied to the Ligurian Riviera, where vines curl and dig into amazingly steep, terraced hillsides. The mouth is medium-bodied with great mineral expression… Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.

Durin Riviera Ligure di Ponente Pigato 2008 Italy / Liguria Fruity, expressive aromas of white peaches and honey blend with wildflowers and a touch of herbs on the nose. The mouth is medium-bodied with great mineral expression… Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.

Durin Pornassio Ormeasco 2007 Italy / Liguria The local name for Dolcetto, Ormeasco in and along the Ligurian Riviera delivers flavors that are richer and more structured than what one would finds further northeast… Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.