The summer was hot, and not just because of the temperatures. Sex, nature, creativity, love and pleasure – discover culture in all its forms!

Critical questions about the EU/USA (what’s next?); Putin and the new Eastern bloc; achievements and obstacles in the fight for equal rights for men and women; the relationship between people, technology and nature and, above all, the defence of democracy in times of crisis and PEACE!!!! In short: things that connect and/or have rough edges. Unravelling the various dramas of the world and their secrets, creating
colourful worlds with charming and uncharming allusions, tugging at ideas….the Côte d’Azur/Costa Azzura with its sea and mountains can convey one thing, namely that contradictions don’t have to be a problem – they can enrich us.

Wine is the good life! Because good conversations over wine and philosophical discussions don’t just take place in the kitchen. I love eating with other people, especially those who are important to me. And to drink! I also like to order a glass of wine by the sea and sit there, drinking and looking and thinking about things that make me happy.

But which bottle exactly should you drink? With this in mind, the editor asked me for a suggestion. Because I should know? You’re asking because because I live in Bordighera?!

 
I recommend the Terre Bianche from Dolceacqua for its quality and variety of flavours! I know the winemaker personally and I am enchanted – it’s magic!

Terre Bianche achieves the greatest possible precision in the journey of the grapes from the vineyard to the glass to obtain a product that is as representative and unique as possible for Dolceacqua. Filippo Rondelli, President of the Imperia Province Winegrowers’ Association and scion of the Rondelli family, who planted the first “Rossese di Dolceacqua” vineyard in Terre Bianche in 1870, believes that only a deep knowledge of the vineyards, the vines and the cellar techniques can enable a coherent interpretation of the vine and the terroir.

A knowledge that does not burden the wine with unnecessary and artificial additives, but on the contrary, emphasises its natural qualities with few but precise interventions, taking into account the vineyard, the wine and the vintage.

This really good wine comes from your neighbourhood and in the winery’s guest house, wine lovers not only have a view of the unique landscape in which the wine thrives, but also get an insight and outlook into the future of the wine that can be tasted here. You can taste it on the spot without having to travel far! A fantastic retreat also. Drinking wine, but the right way! So that we can continue to drink and enjoy it in the future!

Liguria is not only known for its scenic landscapes, picturesque villages or the Taggiasca olive, but also for its very special wines. Wine production in Liguria is mainly focussed on white grape varieties such as Pigato: this is probably the best-known wine in Liguria and is often referred to as the ‘wine of the sea’. It is known for its fresh and salty flavour, which goes perfectly with seafood and light dishes. Pigato is an indigenous grape variety of Liguria that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Vermentino: Characterised by its citrus and floral aromas, Vermentino is an ideal accompaniment to spicy dishes and pasta, and also goes well with fish dishes and seafood. Vermentino is also grown in other regions of Italy, but the Ligurian variety has its own distinctive character.

There are also red wines such as Rossese, a red wine grown in the hills of Dolceacqua, known for its soft tannins and fruity flavours. It tends to be a light to medium-bodied red wine with fruity flavours of cherries and berries. Rossese wine is often accompanied by an intense colour and a floral aroma reminiscent of violets. It goes well with dishes such as meat pies, grilled meat and hard cheeses and is ideal to enjoy slightly chilled in summer. Due to its small production volume and its regional fame, it is a rare and special type of wine that is becoming increasingly popular in the world of wine connoisseurs.

Finally, the Bricco Arcagna, named after the area where this wine is grown, the summit of the Arcagna hill, the heart of the Terre Bianche winery. The farmhouse depicted on the label houses the company’s inn and is located in the middle of the oldest vineyards of Rossese. Rossese di Dolceacqua goes well with goat meat with pigna beans, while the lighter versions of Rossese di Dolceacqua goes well with ‘stoccafisso alla ligure’ (stockfish) and rabbit with Taggiasca olives in the local cuisine. Due to its naturally spicy and juicy flavour and salty aftertaste, Rossese di Dolceacqua goes very well with many international cuisines based on vegetables, chicken and spices. We are thinking of Indian, Thai, Japanese and Korean cuisine, in which the medium-bodied Rossese di Dolceacqua finds its natural balance.

This article is not about marketing, but about the task behind it. Filippo follows the spiritual law of success, namely work and skill, and says goodbye to me by email with the words: ‘Thank you very much for the article! We’re harvesting today, I have to go.’ Go, dear Filippo, the anticipation of a good vintage immediately puts us in a celebratory mood.

Fancy travelling through Italy and getting to know small (and large) wine producers? Discovering and tasting the culinary diversity of Italy – who wouldn’t want to do that? Terre Bianche is one of the best wines selected by the Slow Wine 2025 guide for tasting in Milan. On 19 October in Milan, in the large rooms of Superstudio Maxi in Via Moncucco, you can meet and taste renowned winemakers who have some exquisite wines on offer. It’s like being in a large wine shop where winemakers and wine lovers talk about and taste the best wines. All the participants and Terre Bianche have been selected and recognised by the Slow Wine 2025 guide, published by Slow Food Editore.

We are slowly counting down the days until the Christmas festivities and again we in the editorial team keep asking ourselves: What is the best gift for Christmas? Christmas is a good time to be sober, but it’s also a good time to drink. Personally, I would almost prefer a bottle (or a case) of Terre Bianche wine to the Slow Wine 2025 Guide published by Slow Food Editore. Of course, both would be best, because self-care is necessary!

All images courtesy Terre Bianche