Selvadolce Bianco Pigato Vermentino 2022

Tenuta Selvadolce Estate is located near Bordighera, Liguria, and is a project led by visionary oenologist and viticulturalist Aris Bancardi. Aris, who has a degree in veterinary medicine, was always determined to transform Selvadolce into a biodynamic estate. After completing course work in viticulture and horticulture, during which time he came in close contact with Nicolas Joly, he started the transition to biodynamic, adopting a pragmatic approach rather than a dogmatic one.

In the vineyard, he uses minimal intervention – 500 and 501 biodynamic preparations and not much else. In the cellar, Aris is equally non-interventionist, allowing for spontaneous fermentation and avoiding any type of filtration.

Liguria, located in northwest Italy along the Mediterranean coast, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and unique wine production. The region stretches from the French border in the west to La Spezia in the east, covering a narrow coastal strip known as the Italian Riviera. This region is characterized by its steep, rugged terrain and terraced vineyards, which create challenging but rewarding conditions for viticulture.

Liguria is one of Italy's smallest wine regions, with about 6,000 hectares of vineyards. The region's climate is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, providing mild winters and warm summers ideal for grape growing. The soils are predominantly limestone and clay, contributing to the distinctive minerality found in Ligurian wines.

The region is best known for its white wines, particularly those made from the Vermentino grape. Vermentino produces wines with bright acidity, citrus flavors, and a hint of salinity. Other notable white grape varieties include Albarola, Bosco, and Lumassina. These wines are typically light and aromatic, making them excellent companions to the region's seafood dishes.

Liguria produces some notable red wines in addition to white wines. The most famous red variety is Rossese, particularly from the Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC. Rossese wines are light-bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice. Other red varieties grown in the region include Dolcetto (known locally as Ormeasco), Sangiovese, and Ciliegiolo.

Liguria has several DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) appellations, each with specific regulations regarding grape varieties and wine styles. Some of the key DOCs include:

1. Cinque Terre DOC: Produces dry and sweet white wines from Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino grapes. The region's steep terraced vineyards are famous for their stunning views and challenging cultivation conditions.

2. Colli di Luni DOC: Straddling Liguria and Tuscany, this DOC produces both red and white wines, with Vermentino being the most prominent white variety.

3. Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC: Covers a large area in western Liguria and produces both red and white wines, including Pigato and Rossese.

4. Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC: Focuses on red wines made from the Rossese grape, known for their delicate fruit flavors and light body.

5. Golfo del Tigullio DOC: Produces a wide range of wine styles, including white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines.

Liguria's wines are often produced in small quantities due to the region's challenging geography and limited vineyard space. As a result, they can be difficult to find outside of Italy. However, the region's dedication to quality and tradition makes its wines highly sought after by enthusiasts.

Overall, Liguria's wine region offers a diverse and unique array of wines that reflect the area's stunning coastal landscape and rich viticultural heritage. Whether enjoying a crisp Vermentino with seafood or a light Rossese with regional dishes, Ligurian wines provide a true taste of the Italian Riviera.