The white grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Albarola Bianca, Albarola dei Piani, Albarola di Lavagna, Albarola di Sestri, Albarola Trebbiana, Bianchetta del Genovesato, Bianchetta Genovese (2nd main name), Bianchetto, Calcatella, Trebbiana Bianca, Trebbiana di Sarzana e Carrara, Trebbiana Nostrale, Trebbiano Albarola and Trebbiano di Sarzana. It should not be confused with the varieties Bianchetta Trevigiana or Scimiscià, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2009, the two varieties Albarola and Bianchetta Genovese, which occur in the province of Genova, are identical. However, in the municipality of Lavagna, a genetically different variety of Albarola was identified, which is only present here. In any case, in the DOC regulations, Albarola and Bianchetta Genovese are indicated as independent varieties.
The variety was once widespread. Today it is only found in the area around Genoa under the name Bianchetta Genovese, as well as along the rest of the Ligurian coast. The late-ripening vine produces rather neutral white wines. It is also used as table grape. The variety is permitted in the Ligurian DOC white wines Cinque Terre, Colli di Luni, Colline di Levanto, Golfo del Tigullio-Portofino and Val Polcèvera, as well as in Tuscany in the DOC wine Candia dei Colli Apuani. The Italian cultivation area in 2016 was only 95 hectares, with an extremely downward trend. In 2000, it had still been over 4,000 hectares (possibly also due to confusion with other varieties) (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
