Sciacchetrà is the rare sweet wine of the Cinque Terre, made from late-harvested Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino grapes that are left to dry on wooden racks after picking. The drying concentrates the sugars and produces a rich amber wine with notes of dried apricot, honey, and almonds. It is classified as a DOC wine and produced only in the Cinque Terre area.
A glass of Sciacchetrà at the end of a meal is the proper way to experience Cinque Terre hospitality. Most of the serious wine bars in the villages keep a selection, and the local producers occasionally offer tastings in summer. The Cooperativa Agricoltura di Qualità delle Cinque Terre, based in Groppo above Manarola, is one of the main producers and sometimes open for visits. Buy a bottle to take home — it is difficult to find outside the region.