Dolceacqua is the wine-growing heart of the far west of Liguria, set in a hilly landscape shaped by the Nervia Valley and the proximity of the Ligurian Sea. Viticulture is concentrated mainly on the well-exposed slopes, which are often terraced and supported by dry-stone walls, where the gradient, ventilation and drainage promote the balanced ripening of the grapes. The mild, sunny climate, influenced by the sea but made more varied by the altitude and the presence of the Maritime Alps, supports the vine’s growth cycle with dry summers, good ventilation and significant daily temperature variations that help preserve freshness and aromatic intensity.
The soils derive mainly from ancient marine sediments, predominantly sandstone and turbidites, alongside marl and finer-grained substrates: a geological diversity that helps to define distinct nuances from one slope to another. The signature grape variety is Rossese, cultivated using traditional hillside methods and vinified under the Rossese di Dolceacqua or Dolceacqua appellations, including the Superiore category. The wines generally display a ruby colour, with aromas of red fruits, flowers, Mediterranean herbs and spices, alongside a supple texture, warmth, refined tannins and a distinctive savoury note. The local wine-growing history has its roots in the Middle Ages and lives on today in the artisanal care of small vineyards, traditional training systems and the promotion of the territory’s various geographical areas.