Rossese is an indigenous grape variety found only in the valleys of Nervia and Verbone, close to Ventimiglia in the province of Imperia (Dolceaqua DOC since 1972). The terraced vineyards are located on steep rocky slopes of up to 70% and up to 600 meters above sea level, close to the French border. The vines cling to narrow terraces that prevented the intervention of any mechanical means. Antonio worked with this indigenous grape his entire life. But Rossese is hard to work and is disappearing. The best sites are all on steepy slopes and slowly getting ripped up or changed to easy working sites with popular grape varieties. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the subalpine conditions offers two fundamental elements of the Dolceaqua terroir; the mountains and the sea. Arcagna is the most famous cru of the DOC and the vines are always dishevelled by the breeze : the morning wind brings iodine from the south, and the evening sets freshness from the Maritime Alps. ‘Alberello’ pruning of the vines is arranged in a crown shape around the plant. This old method is known to give naturally low-yielding vines with high quality grapes. Nothing added during harvest, pressing and bottling, the spontaneous fermentation occurs without temperature control. Wholebunch fermentation for 18 days before being foot stomped and left to spend a year in old 500-liter barrels.
Rossese has potential and great characteristic. Mediterranean expression of red fruits elegance with complex spices. Rich in body, balanced with wood and a fresh marine sensation. The Testalonga wines reach their full potential after years of aging and Antonio recommends to wait for a least 2 years. This pristine Rossese displays a velvety mouth and an unparallel deep minerality in a long aftertaste. The authentic Dolcreeaqua terroir encapsulated in a bottle.