Tenuta Anfosso 2019 Rossese di Dolceacqua

An elegant, terroir-expressive red that showcases the rare Rossese grape with purity and finesse. The 2019 Tenuta Anfosso Rossese di Dolceacqua offers bright red fruit, savory herbal nuance, and vibrant acidity—balanced, refined, and quintessentially Ligurian in style. It’s a superb example of how delicate coastal vines can yield age-worthy yet graceful wines.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Hailing from Dolceacqua, a historic DOC in the Ligurian hills of northwest Italy near the French border, this wine is made by Tenuta Anfosso, a producer focused on capturing the unique expression of indigenous varietals. Rossese, the quintessential grape of the region, thrives in the steep, terraced vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean, where granite and schist soils lend striking minerality and aromatic lift.

The 2019 vintage was crafted from hand-harvested Rossese grapes with careful sorting to ensure purity of fruit. Fermentation was conducted with indigenous yeasts in open-top fermenters, and maceration was kept moderate to preserve aromatic brightness and fine tannins. Aging took place in a mix of large neutral oak and stainless steel, emphasizing freshness, vibrancy, and varietal clarity over heavy wood influence. The result is a delicately structured red that speaks to both site and variety.

Critics Reviews & Scores

Critics and regional wine experts have consistently highlighted this bottling for its aromatic precision and refreshing drive:

• 92 points from a leading Italian wine guide, praising its transparent fruit expression, mineral thread, and poised acidity—noting that it stands out even among strong regional peers.

• Another respected reviewer gave 91 points, observing fine balance, graceful structure, and appealing interplay of saline minerality with bright red berry tones—emphasizing its drinkability now while rewarding short-term cellaring.

Across commentary, the 2019 Rossese di Dolceacqua is celebrated for avoiding overextraction, instead favoring a nuanced interplay of fruit, herbs, and coastal energy that captures the essence of this lesser-known Italian appellation.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
A refined bouquet of cranberry, wild strawberry, and pomegranate, woven with floral lifts of rose petal and wild herb. Subtle hints of dried sage and Mediterranean scrub add complexity.

Palate:
Light to medium in body with a silky texture, delivering bright red fruit framed by refreshing acidity. Fine, powdery tannins support flavors of raspberry, tart cherry, and a mineral streak that echoes Liguria’s coastal soils. Gentle spice—white pepper and a trace of licorice—adds dimension without overpowering.

Finish:
Clean and lingering, with a gentle echo of red berry brightness, a whisper of herbs, and a saline-tinged finish that invites another sip.

Quick Overview