Rebosso Plus, 2018, Selvadolce, Liguria, Italy

Producer: Aris Blancardi

Grape: Vermentino

Selvadolce is a family legacy – a flower farm that has been around for more than a century on the Bordighera Hills. After working as a horse veterinarian, Aris came back to the family business, wanting to take over his father’s work and improve the farming practices by looking for alternative ways to grow the plants. He first learned the basics of biodynamic farming in Langhe, that would ultimately shape his way of thinking, and convince him to start making wine at Selvadolce instead of continuing to grow flowers only.

Aris’ grandfather had planted vineyards in his younger years using local grape varieties such as Pigato and Vermentino. The first vintage with these grapes was released in 2007, and somehow became a bit of a life lesson for Aris having never made wine before, and barely drinking even to this day. Having no experts around him forced Aris to learn how to be observant in the cellar, letting nature be the guide.

Aris is now looking after 7 ha. of vineyards that are strongly influenced by the sea and the powerful Mistral winds. The vines are comprised of a few young vineyards of Pigato, Vermentino, plus some splendid vineyards of Rossese planted at 600m altitude on sandy soil, close to the inland village of Dolceacqua. Wines with incredible energy.