Rondelli's reds

The enchanting medieval town of Dolceacqua lies between the Ligurian Sea and rolling green hills carpeted with grapevines and olive trees, looking out over the Riviera di Ponente, the stretch of the Ligurian coast which merges into that of the Cote d'Azur. It was here, back in 1870, that Tommaso Rondelli chose to plant his Rossese grapevines, an indigenous species, typical of the white clay terrain of the Val Nervia. Today, more than a century after Rondelli's vines produced their first succulent red grapes, the Rossese di Dolceacqua doc has become one of Liguria's most highly rated wines, and its producer, the Terre Bianche, one of Italy's most important wine makers. Other wines produced by the company include the white Vermentino doc and Pigato doc.

The symbol of the Terre Bianche Winery is Tommaso Rondelli's 19th century home. Today the winery is managed by the latest generation of Rondelli, who have modernized the facilities, whilst conserving the company's original intent and purpose, giving a new contemporary edge to traditional wines such as the full-bodied Rossese di Dolceacqua, famous for its intense yet balanced bouquet with hints of rose, wild strawberry, redcurrant and vanilla. The company's signature wine is its Rossese doc Bricco Arcagna. Obtained from the Rossese grapes, the harvest of which is delayed so as to achieve maximum structure, this deep ruby red wine is left to mature first in stainless steel casks and then in small oak barrels for a minimum of 6 months.

The visit to the winery includes a tour of the vineyards which surround the Locanda del Bricco. This charming country-style inn is the perfect choice for those keen to savor Liguria's traditional cuisine, prepared using the delicious sun-ripened vegetables, succulent fruits, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs grown on Terre Bianche's organic farm. The delicate and softly perfumed extra virgin olive oil used in the Locanda's dishes is obtained from the Taggiasca olives, cultivated in Terre Bianche's extensive olive groves.

From the vineyards, visitors head to the cellar, which is located in what, in the 1930's, was once a military base, and has an underground barrel cellar and shop. From Terre Bianche, tourists can head off along the nearby Alta Via dei Monti Liguri or make the trip to the Convent of San Domenico in Taggia, whilst reflecting on one of Filippo Rondelli's favorite sayings: "Life is too short to drink bad wine".

Terre Bianche Winery
Località Arcagna
Dolceacqua (Imperia)
Tel. +39 0184 31426
www.terrebianche.com

Visits every day, by reservation only