Rossese: Bringing Ligurian Wine to International Markets
The Rossese grape variety, while less renowned than some other prestigious names, is an oenological gem with significant export potential for Italian wineries. Originating from specific Italian areas, this grape gives rise to characteristic red wines, appreciated for their uniqueness and their ability to tell a story of their territory. Understanding its peculiarities and market prospects is fundamental for seizing new international opportunities, offering foreign buyers an authentic alternative to more common grape varieties. Further information: MASAF — National Register of Vine Varieties.
Where does the Rossese grape variety come from and what is its history?
Rossese's roots lie in southern Russia, with the first descriptions dating back to the 19th century. Although some suggest a link to Pukbliakovskhii, its diffusion and its strongest connection have been consolidated in Italy, particularly in Liguria, where it forms the basis of Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC. This small DOC area has become synonymous with the grape variety, despite the region being more known for white wines.
The grape variety has also been spread to other areas such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Crimea, and southern Russia, where it is known by synonyms like Sveni, Scireni, Tavrisi, Gangiuri, Scirasuli, Kirovabadski Stolovii. This wide historical diffusion testifies to its adaptability and value over the centuries.
What are the ampelographic and agronomic characteristics of Rossese?
Rossese has a tomentose bud apex and young yellow leaves. The adult leaf is pentalobed, medium-sized, with an orbicular, slightly reniform limb and closed petiolar sinuses. It prefers hilly, well-ventilated, and sunny terrains, resisting winter frosts well. It adapts to low-stem training systems and short but rich pruning.
The yield per vine is approximately 2.8 kg, with an average bunch weight of 310 g and a bud fertility of 1.0. The grape variety shows moderate tolerance to fungal diseases but can be sensitive to downy mildew during veraison. It requires artificial pollination and is more susceptible to harsh winters compared to other local cultivars.
What are the oenological characteristics of Rossese, from must to wine?
Rossese grapes have a remarkable must yield. In the years 1998-2000, the average sugar content was around 19.9 °Brix, with an acidity of 7.7 g/l and a pH of 3.36. The resulting wines range from pale ruby red to intense, with purplish or dark orange reflections that shift to garnet with aging.
On the nose, the wine is fragrant, with notes of red fruits like raspberry and wild blackberry, and spicy nuances. With aging, it can develop an intense rose aroma. On the palate, Rossese is dry and flavorful, with a round and soft structure, and a finish that can evoke bitter almond. The aroma is fresh, fruity, and slightly spicy. Its structure makes it suitable for aging, even for extended periods, and capable of competing with international grape varieties.
Rossese can be vinified into various types: table wine, dessert wine, or sparkling wine. If harvested late, it can produce a fortified wine. It is also used in blends with other grape varieties, such as Refosco, to impart greater aromatic complexity.
What is the export potential of the Rossese grape variety for Italian wineries?
The global market for rosé wines is growing. In 2014, the main exporters were Spain (46.3% by volume), followed by Italy, the United States, and France, with comparable volumes (between 1.1 and 1.5 million hectoliters exported). These four countries account for over 80% of the world's rosé exports.
Although Rossese is known for red wines, its versatility and the demand for unique, territorial wines open interesting export prospects. Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC is an example of how an indigenous grape variety can create a niche product that is appreciated. Rossese wines are generally at their best within the first three years, but the finest can benefit from longer aging.
For foreign buyers, Rossese represents an interesting discovery, an alternative to more common grape varieties. Its ability to offer wines with a distinctive character, tied to a specific territory like Liguria, makes it attractive to importers seeking authentic, high-quality products.
What do foreign buyers look for in Rossese?
- Authenticity and Territory: International markets seek wines that tell a story and represent a territory. Rossese, with its origins and identity linked to Liguria, fulfills this need.
- Uniqueness: In a saturated market, an indigenous grape variety like Rossese offers a point of differentiation.
- Versatility: Rossese's ability to produce wines with diverse nuances, from fresh and fruity to elegant and long-lived, makes it suitable for various consumption occasions and food pairings.
- Pairing Potential: Rossese wines pair beautifully with rich and flavorful dishes, such as rabbit with herbs, stuffed pigeon, or guinea fowl, as well as with the Mediterranean cuisine typical of its region of origin.
How does Wines Export support wineries with the Rossese grape variety?
The presence of wineries specializing in the Rossese grape variety, or including it in their productions, represents a strategic opportunity to facilitate access to foreign markets. Our network of buyers is constantly searching for unique Italian grape varieties, and Rossese perfectly fits this quest for excellence, offering a distinctive, high-quality product.
Conclusion: A Grape Variety to Explore for Export
The Rossese grape variety, with its fascinating history, distinctive oenological characteristics, and its connection to the Ligurian territory, represents an interesting opportunity for Italian wineries looking to expand their presence in international markets. The growing demand for authentic, high-quality wines makes Rossese an ideal candidate to conquer new palates and markets.
- OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) - Data on rosé wine exports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rossese grape variety only cultivated in Italy?
The Rossese grape variety has historical roots in southern Russia and has also spread to countries such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Crimea, and southern Russia, where it is known by various synonyms. However, its strongest identity and main recognition are linked to Italy, particularly Liguria with Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC.
What are the main characteristics of wines produced from the Rossese grape variety?
Wines from Rossese display a color ranging from pale ruby red to intense, with reflections that turn garnet with aging. On the nose, they are fragrant, with notes of red fruits and spicy nuances, and can develop rose aromas with aging. On the palate, they are dry, flavorful, with a round and soft structure, and a finish that can evoke bitter almond.
Is Rossese a grape variety suitable for aging?
Yes, the structure of wines produced from the Rossese grape variety makes them suitable for aging, even for extended periods. Although many wines are at their best within the first three years after harvest, the finest examples can benefit from a longer aging period, developing greater complexity.