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2017 Rossese di Dolceacqua Superiore “Fulavin”

Tenuta Anfosso
Discount Eligible $45.00
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It's hard to believe that Rossese di Dolceacqua was once considered one of Italy's greatest wines, given how rare these Ligurian reds are today. In fact, a mere eighty or so hectares of steep, terraced vineyards remain in this storied appellation just inland of the Mediterranean coast near Italy's border with France. A century and a half ago, these slopes—the southern end of the Ligurian Alps chain—were completely covered in vines, their three thousand hectares surpassing the area planted in Piemonte's Langhe. Alas, the effects of phylloxera, world wars, and industrialization led to the abandonment of most vineyard land, and today only a handful of families still cultivate these daunting terraces.
     Alessandro Anfosso is among the few who remain, applying wisdom passed down from his father and grandfather to carry on the great wine tradition of Dolceacqua. He produces some robust, powerful wines from ancient vines, but the Fulavin vineyard—with vines averaging thirty-five years of age—yields his most silky, sensual Rossese. It is a medium-weight charmer with delicate floral aromatics, bright acidity, and elegant tannins. A versatile red with a story to tell, it should be enjoyed slightly cool.

Anthony Lynch


Technical Information
Wine Type: red
Vintage: 2017
Bottle Size: 750mL
Blend: Rossese
Appellation: Rossese di Dolceacqua
Country: Italy
Region: Liguria
Producer: Tenuta Anfosso
Winemaker: Alessandro Anfosso
Vineyard: Planted in 1977, 1998, .65 ha
Soil: Flysch
Aging: Aged for 12-13 months in stainless steel tanks before bottling, then 3-4 months in bottle before release
Farming: Organic (practicing)
Alcohol: 13.5%

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About The Region

Liguria

map of Liguria

A long, crescent-shaped sliver of mountainous coastline ranging from the French border in the west to that of Tuscany in the east, Liguria is a region of unrivaled Mediterranean charm. This applies not only to its colorful seaside villages and carefree, welcoming people, but also to the wines it produces—crisp whites and light reds designed to be quaffed with locally caught seafood.

Viticulture has thrived along these coastal hillsides since Etruscan times. Ancient stone terraces line the steep slopes all along the Riviera, many abandoned while others still host olive trees, lemon trees, and of course, the vine. What Liguria lacks in acreage, it makes up for in diversity and originality: home to numerous indigenous grape varieties, it produces wines of infectious local character.

The hallmarks of Ligurian wines are fragrant aromatics and lively freshness. Whites from grapes like Vermentino and Pigato capture the pervasive flavors of wild herbs and citrus with a sea-breeze salinity, while the rare reds from Rossese, among others, have a brightness of flavor that allows them to complement dishes from the sea or land—served with a slight chill, of course.

While Kermit’s history in the region is relatively recent, Liguria has rapidly become one of his favorite places to visit. It’s hard to blame him—enjoying a crisp, perfumed white with a platter of fried sea critters on the Mediterranean is definitely not the worst part of the job.

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Inspiring Thirst

A good doctor prescribed the wine of Nuits-Saint-Georges to the Sun King, Louis XIV, when he suffered an unknown maladie. When the king’s health was restored the tasty remedy enjoyed a vogue at court. Lord, send me a doctor like that!

Inspiring Thirst, page 117