Rossese di Dolceacqua

The Rossese di Dolceacqua is a red wine crafted from the Rossese grape variety, which thrives in the rugged, steep terrains of Liguria’s Riviera di Ponente, west of Genoa. The challenging landscape makes vineyard maintenance and grape harvesting particularly labor intensive, requiring all vineyard operations - from pruning to harvesting - to be done entirely by hand. This manual labor intensive process is one of the main reasons why many vineyards in the region have been abandoned over time.

The Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC wine is produced in a designated area comprising 14 communes, spread across the picturesque Val Nervia and Valle Crosia. The vineyards sit at elevations ranging between 300 and 600 meters above sea level, benefiting from the Mediterranean climate and the cooling influence of the nearby Ligurian Sea.

To comply with the official DOC regulations, Rossese di Dolceacqua must be made with at least 95% Rossese grapes, with the remaining 5% consisting of non aromatic native red grape varieties. The result is a refined, light colored red wine that showcases bright acidity, medium body, and minimal tannins - unless aged in wood. Known for its elegant, fruity character, this terroir driven wine pairs beautifully with regional cuisine and embodies the rich winemaking heritage of Liguria.

Whether enjoyed young for its fresh, vibrant flavors or aged to develop greater complexity, Rossese di Dolceacqua remains a hidden gem among Italian wines, offering a truly distinctive expression of Liguria’s viticultural excellence.