Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC is located in the Riviera di Ponente, in Italy's north-western region of Liguria. It was not until 2003 that Ormeasco di Pornassio was awarded its own classification; it previously came under the Riviera di Ligure di Ponente DOC. This wine's distinctive, vibrant personality helped it rise to fame among wine consumers, and the DOC award reflected this.

Ormeasco di Pornassio's most celebrated grape is the ancient red Dolcetto (known here as Ormeasco, hence the DOC's name), which has existed since the Middle Ages. It is a local clone of the Dolcetto grape best known for its use in Piedmont, but tends to make brighter-colored wines with a more intense, perfumed bouquet and sweeter tannins, while still maintaining a distinct bitter characteristic.

Ormeasco is considered a 'mountain wine' in Pornassio, as this area is not the most hospitable growing environment: its steep slopes reach up to 2625ft (800m) above sea level. Most red varieties struggle to grow in this kind of terrain, as they must contend with premature autumnal frosts. However the native Ormeasco is this DOC's saving grace, since it is an early ripener.

Regulations require that the wine comprise at least 95% of this variety with 5% of other red grapes permitted in Liguria. The following styles can be made: the dried-grape passito and higher-alcohol liquoroso, both barrel-aged for 12 months; rosso (red, also aged for one year), which can also be made as a superiore; and a Sciac-tra, which is the local rosato (a rose, and not to be confused with the sweet Sciacchetra delle Cinque Terre from the other end of Liguria).

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