ROSSESE BIANCO
Sprout: April
Flowering: June
Start of ripening/color change: August
Ripening: August/September
Harvest: September
Pruning system: Guyot or mixed system with one fruiting cane
Rossese Bianco is an Italian white grape variety dating back to the 15th century. It is mainly grown in the Liguria region where it has been cultivated for centuries, but is also grown in Piedmont. The name Rossese is derived from its red brother where the grapes turn an almost dark pink color when ripe.
As for viticulture, Rossese Bianco grapes have a fairly long growing season and ripen late; usually around mid-September to early October, depending on climate and vintage. They are medium sized with a thick skin and are very aromatic with notes of honeycomb and apricot blossom.
The vines tend to flower in late May or early June, making them one of the last flowering varieties among Italian white wines. This delay gives them more time to build up sugars while maintaining their acidity during harvest. Harvesting is done by hand taking into account the delicate nature of the grape.
In general, Rossese Bianco is considered an excellent variety for producing high quality dry white wines with complex aromas such as acacia flowers, nectarine juice, yellow apples and minerals such as lime dust - all well balanced with great freshness thanks to the naturally high acidity in the ripening stage (harvesting).