Laura Aschero

Winery

A small family-run company that produces less than 6,000 cases of fine wine from Liguria annually, including Vermentino, Pigato and Rossese, the estate of Laura Aschero began its winemaking activities as a hobby in 1980, planting vines to the family-owned land that had formerly been used for other types of crops. Laura Aschero started the winery upon the advice of a friend who claimed that she had the perfect land for growing grapes. Since her passing in 2009, her son has continued her successful venture with great passion and dedication. The winery is based in Pontedassio, in the hills above Imperia, and its vines are situated at approximately 150 meters above sea level on year-round sun-kissed hills, enjoying the ideal temperature and terrain for cultivating vines and maturing grapes. The wine cellar, situated in an ancient palace under the Piazza del Paese, has been completely renovated and today has modern and efficient wine-producing facilities.
Given the splendid position of their land, their modern wine cellar and the advice of an excellent enologist, they have succeeded in creating a high-quality product that, over the course of many years, has won multiple prestigious awards.
The white grapes are left in contact with the skins for only a few hours, after which they are left to ferment in temperature-controlled tanks at low temperatures to preserve freshness and aromas. The red wine is pressed delicately, left in contact with the skins for a brief 4 days and allowed to ferment slowly at medium temperatures to preserve the fresh-fruit flavors and delicate tannins.

Winery Website

Wines

Vermentino Riviera Ligure di Ponente 2011

Vermentino is a recognized as a DOC wine from Liguria. The grape variety dates back to the 14th Century and originates from the Middle East, from where it traveled to Sardinia and then on to Tuscany and Liguria. The moderate climate of the coast provides the ideal atmosphere for its cultivation, as it does not like cold climates that hinder its development. Without doubt, some of the best results are obtained in Imperia, in the territory of Bussana.

Pale straw yellow, it features a fresh and delicate perfume of wild flowers and aromatic grass, with hints rosemary and thyme. Notes of ripe apricot and fresh pineapple with good intensity and persistence give way to a clean, extremely mineral, almost salty finish. Intensely acidic, this wine is extremely suited to ageing and can be drunk for up to 10 or more years from release.

“Winner, Tre Bicchieri, Gambero Rosso 2012”

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Pigato Riviera Ligure di Ponente 2011

Pigato is also a wine typical of western Liguria, recognized as a DOC in 1988. Of Middle-Eastern origin, it came to Europe and developed principally in Liguria, finding its natural habitat in the provinces of Imperia, Dianese and Albenga.

With a straw-yellow color, it features a full, intense and persistent nose, with aromas of peach, honey and broom flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, it is rich in flavor, intensely acidic and remarkably mineral, dry but soft almost salty, with great length and hints of almonds. Uniquely suited to long-term ageing.

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Rossese Riviera Ligure di Ponente 2011

Rossese is a typical red wine of western Liguria, recognized as a DOC in 1988. This native vine is the same as the Rossese di Dolceacqua, but the wine is obtained from plants grown outside of the Dolceacqua area, featuring a different character and given its own denomination.

Medium ruby-red in color, on the nose it is full, intense and persistent, with hints of roses, bramble and blackberries. Dry, fresh and slightly fruity, it can pair both with meat and fish dishes.