Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC: The Jewel of Ligurian Riviera
In the refined world of fine wines, certain names carry an aura of quiet prestige. Rossese di Dolceacqua is one such name—less obvious than the grand labels of Piedmont or Tuscany, yet treasured by those who know. Born in the sun-drenched hills of western Liguria, between the Val Nervia and Valle Roja, this wine embodies the intimate charm of a land where mountains meet the Mediterranean.
A HERITAGE ROOTED IN ANTIQUITY
The journey of Rossese begins in ancient Greece, its grapes carried across the sea by traders to the port of Marseille. From there, the variety found its way into Provence and, through the care of Benedictine monks, into the secluded valleys of Dolceacqua. Here, on steep slopes overlooking the Ligurian coast, the grape took root.
VINEYARDS SUSPENDED BETWEEN SEA AND SKY
Rossese is a grape that demands both discipline and devotion. With its fine-skinned berries, it thrives only in soils that drain effortlessly and in breezes that protect against the dampness of the sea air. The vineyards are sculpted into terraces—maixei, in the local dialect—supported by centuries-old dry-stone walls, each one built by hand without mortar. These walls, now recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage treasure, are more than agricultural structures.
LIGURIA’S FIRST DOC
In 1972, Rossese di Dolceacqua was the first wine in Liguria to receive Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status, a recognition that cemented its place among Italy’s most distinguished appellations. Its name, however, does not refer to the wine’s ruby glow, but rather to roché—the French word for rock—honoring the stony soils that shape its singular identity.
A SENSORY SIGNATURE OF ELEGANCE
Pour a glass, and you discover a luminous ruby hue, a refined floral bouquet, and a palate that is at once savory, Mediterranean, and poised, which offers subtleties best appreciated at around 15°C. Its versatility makes it a natural companion to grilled fish, vegetable pastas, and the delicate savory pies of Ligurian tradition.
SOME WINERIES OF VAL NERVIA
Gajaudo: Founded in 1986 by Adriano Gajaudo, who transformed a passion for wine into a family legacy. After moving operations from Dolceacqua to Isolabona, the estate expanded production to over 120,000 bottles without ever losing its artisanal spirit.
Maixei: Named after the very stone walls that define the region, this estate produces wines from Rossese, a pure expression of grape and terroir that has become synonymous with authenticity.
Terre Bianche: Established in 1870 by Tommaso Rondelli, who recognized the unique character of the local white soils. Awarded the prestigious Cangrande Medal in 1992 for advancing Italian viticulture, Terre Bianche remains a beacon of elegance and heritage.
Grillo: Beginning as a producer of Taggiasca olives and exceptional olive oil in 1990, this family estate expanded into winemaking, crafting Rossese with the same devotion to quality that defined its roots.
SOME BOTTLES…
SPECIAL VARIETIES
ROSSESE DI DOLCEACQUA DOC- LUVAIRA
The Rossese of Dolceacqua Luvaira is produced in the Luvaira vineyard of San Biagio della Cima and represents one of the official Geographical Mentions of Rossese di Dolceacqua.
On the nose, the delicate scent of rose and the freshness of currant immediately emerge, hallmark traits of the variety. Subtle notes of white pepper and nutmeg follow, leading to a refined texture of cocoa and tobacco on the finish.
ROSSESE DI DOLCEACQUA DOC- TERRABIANCA
The Terrabianca Rossese of Dolceacqua originates from soils of white clay and blue marl, free of stones and enriched by ancient marine fossils.
Its color is a vivid ruby red, gradually evolving towards garnet with age. On the nose it reveals a delicate yet persistent bouquet, where floral and mineral notes intertwine with hints of small red fruits, iodine, and gentle spices.
ROSSESE DI DOLCEACQUA DOC- PINI
This wine comes from a single vineyard, specifically the Pini vineyard in the municipality of Soldano, in the Val Verbone. The name recalls the pine forest that once stood here, before the vines took its place.
On the palate it is soft, savory, slightly warm and velvety, with a pleasant and typical bitter finish. The aromas evoke wild strawberry, rose, and dried violet, green pepper and a subtle mineral-bloody note. Delicate hints of oak add complexity without masking the character of the variety. With aging, nuances of licorice and Mediterranean herbs gradually emerge, enriching the wine’s profile.
ROSSESE DI DOLCEACQUA DOC- SUPERIORE
The Rossese of Dolceacqua Superiore is born from the careful selection of the finest grapes of the year. The result is a wine shaped by aging, the outcome of a pursuit for the perfect balance between ripeness and structure.
Its color is a vibrant ruby red, with garnet reflections that evolve gracefully over time. The bouquet is intense and persistent, rich with wild rose, layered with spicy notes of nutmeg and the depth of ripe forest fruits.
To sip Rossese di Dolceacqua is to taste more than a wine—it is to experience Liguria itself: its stone, its sea breeze, its centuries of craftsmanship.
For the true connoisseur, this is not simply a bottle to open, but a story to savor, one glass at a time.
