Rossese Bianco

Rossese Bianco is one of the rarest white grapes of the Langhe. It grows in only a few places around Monforte d'Alba and was not rediscovered until the 1970s. A fresh, elegant white wine you will find almost nowhere else.

Rossese Bianco at a glance

• Colour: white grape
• Origin: the Langhe, around Monforte d'Alba, Roddino and Sinio
• Budburst: April
• Flowering: June
• Veraison: August
• Harvest: late September to early October
• Pruning: Guyot
• Main wine: Langhe Rossese Bianco DOC

Name and history

The name Rossese probably refers to the colour of the berries, which take on a pink to golden glow when fully ripe. Several grapes in northern Italy bear the name Rossese, including in Liguria. DNA research showed that they are all different grapes, with no close family ties.

In Monforte d'Alba, Rossese Bianco was found again in old vineyards in the 1970s. A few growers, Giovanni Manzone being the best-known, began replanting it and making it as a single-variety wine. Since 2011 the wine may be labelled Langhe Rossese Bianco DOC.

In the vineyard

Rossese Bianco yields little. The bunches are large, but the berries are small, with a thick waxy bloom. At harvest, in late September or early October, it still has good acidity, which gives the wine its freshness.

Taste and style

Rossese Bianco is straw yellow and smells of white flowers, acacia, yellow apple, nectarine and sometimes a touch of honey. On the palate it is fresh, elegant and mineral, with lively acidity. Some producers age it briefly in wood, which makes it a little fuller.

Food with Rossese Bianco

Rossese Bianco goes with fish, shellfish, vegetable risotto, light pasta dishes and fresh cheeses. It is also delicious as an aperitif.

Read more about the village on our page about Monforte d'Alba.

Rossese Bianco at Barolo & Co

Take a look at our white wines from Piedmont, or discover the other grape varieties.