RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Rossese is likely a French native variety with origins going way back to medieval times. Historical records in the 13th century state that troops and allies associated with the Genoese (from Genoa) Doria family brought grapevine cuttings (barbatelle) back from expeditions in Provence. They planted them on their estates in the steep, rocky hills of the Nervia Valley around Dolceacqua. Originally, the wine was referred to as Roccese (meaning "from the rocks," highlighting the harsh terrain) before evolving into Rossese.

During his Italian Campaign at the end of the 1700s, Napoleon Bonaparte stayed as a guest of the Doria family at their castle in Dolceacqua. He was so impressed with the red wine, developing a true appreciation for it, that he ordered multiple barrels to be shipped directly to Paris to supply the French imperial palaces.

DNA analysis has proven that Rossese is genetically identical to the Tibouren grape variety, which is primarily grown in Provence, France where it is used, for the most part, to make rosé.

In the western part of the Ligurian Riviera on steep, high-altitude alpine-maritime terraces near the French border, this ruby, elegant, light-to-medium red wine, turning garnet with age, is produced almost exclusively from grapes of the same name – Rossese di Dolceacqua. It has an intense yet delicate and distinctive vinous aroma and a soft, aromatic, and warm, slightly fruity and floral flavor with a seductive bitter aftertaste.

Source: (https://www.enotecaregionaleliguria.it/); (https://www.enotecaregionaleliguria.it/ ); (https://lamialiguria.it/en/2022/11/rossese-the-rocks-wine/ ) & (https://www.ilnomadedivino.com/rossese-di-dolceacqua-tenuta-anfosso/ )

VIVC: (http://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=12434)

Parentage: Unknown

Tasting notes: Redcurrant, candied cherry, sea-salt salinity, and a touch of bitter almond

While genetically identical to the French grape Tibouren, Rossese di Dolceacqua is celebrated as a "stylistic cousin" to Pinot Noir and frequently draws comparisons to fine Burgundy. Both varietals share:

• A translucent, pale ruby to garnet color.
• An elegant, light- to medium-bodied structure with vibrant acidity and fine, silky tannins.
• An aromatic profile dominated by bright red fruits (cranberry, raspberry, wild strawberry) alongside complex notes of violet, rose, and spice. Source: (https://grapeminds.eu/grapes/rossese-di-dolceacqua-3724)

Food Pairings: Served at a temperature between 16 and 18 degrees, it goes well with meat and fish, vegetables and mushrooms, and it is one of the few wines which goes well with artichokes.  The traditional dishes of Ligurian cuisine which usually can be paired with Rossese are the goat and beans, the Ligurian style rabbit, pheasants and thrushes. Sources: (https://iloveitalianfood.it/a-typical-ligurian-wine-rossese-of-dolceacqua-en/)

Production areas: DOP Rossese di Dolceacqua; DOP Riviera Ligure di Ponente Rossese; IGP Terrazze dell’Imperiese Rosso

Producers: (https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/tibouren-rossese-di-dolceacqua-rossese/)

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