History
from the Middle Ages to today
Embedded Files
...when It All Began
Since childhood, I’ve heard stories passed down through generations - tales from our ancestors, lovingly told by my grandmother - about a remarkable wine known across Europe since the High Middle Ages. In our village, especially among the elders, this precious and revered nectar was often spoken of. Even though no one had tasted it until the late 20th century, Moscatello had already become woven into our culture and history, almost like a myth, a legend passed through time.
Its rise to fame began in the 11th century, propelled by the power of the Republic of Genoa. Thanks to the dedication of Ligurian locals, guided by the Christian clergy in the region, Moscatello became a sought-after treasure - highly desired for centuries by the noble families who ruled these lands.
By the 16th century, records from various State Archives confirm its presence on the most prestigious royal tables across Europe, including that of His Holiness Pope Paul III Farnese. A wine of history, mystery, and timeless allure.
...toward Decline
It was during the 17th and 18th centuries that the first major challenges emerged. In these centuries, the growing awareness of the economic value of trade reshaped the region’s priorities. Olive oil began to take center stage, and across western Liguria, olive cultivation flourished. These were the very olives that would later become some of the most renowned and prized in the world—Taggiasca olives. Gradually, vineyards were abandoned, and with them, the production of wine, including the beloved Moscatello.
By the mid-19th century, what little remained of this once-revered elixir faced its final and most devastating blow: the phylloxera epidemic. This insect, native to North America, was accidentally introduced to Europe and swept through the continent’s vineyards with disastrous effect. Our grape variety was not spared. The plague marked the end of the Moscatello’s golden age—its glorious legacy nearly lost to time.
...a New Beginning
Almost entirely lost to time, the Moscatello story found a spark of hope nearly a century and a half later. In the early 2000s, driven by passion and dedication, a few local winemakers—following the discovery of a handful of surviving vines—embarked on a journey of revival. After years of research and experimentation, they succeeded in propagating new rootstocks, finally bringing this prestigious ancient nectar back to life.
From that moment on, the rest is modern history...
🌱 Rooted in Nature, Raised with Care.
Google Sites
Report abuse