Maixei Rossese di Dolceacqua 2024

Maixei was formed in 1978 by a group of growers in Dolceacqua, on the Ligurian Riviera, to protect Rossese di Ventimiglia, a native variety that had come close to disappearing. The fruit comes from small terraced plots on steep foothills between roughly 60 and 300 metres, close enough to the sea to catch maritime breezes that moderate the heat and keep the wine fresh. The poor, stony soils and the breeze together give Rossese its hallmark of bright red fruit and floral perfume over a light frame. This bottling is aged in stainless steel rather than wood, a choice that preserves the grape's delicate aromatics and primary fruit without any oak influence. The colour is pale ruby. The nose leads with wild strawberry, cherry, rose and white flowers, lifted by black pepper and a dried herb note that reflects the surrounding scrubland. On the palate it is light bodied and fresh, with gentle tannins, a savoury, earthy undertow and a clean, lightly saline finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, with a light chill if you prefer, in a standard red glass. It is at its best with roast chicken, grilled fish and tomato based pasta.