Maria Donata Bianchi

The Az Ag ‘Maria Donata Bianchi is a small family run winery in western Liguria. The wines produced are made exclusively using the grapes grown in their own vineyards in Diano Arentino and Diano Castello. The first wine was bottled in 1977. The company produces two typical D.O.C. white wines, ‘Riviera Ligure di Ponente Vermentino and Riviera Ligure di Ponente Pigato, as well as an intriguing red wine, La Mattana which was the fruit of Pietro Trevia’s intuition, oenologist and father of Emanuele. He was the first in the area to make wine with the Shirà (Shiraz?) and Grenache grapes. This combination proved without a shadow of a doubt that this territory well-known for its white wines, was also capable of producing great red wines. Two other wines are available: Red Bormano wine, as well produced with Shirà and Granache grapes (how different om La Mattana?), and White Antico Sfizo wine, a Vermentino grape variety wine produced in the same way as 100 years back. A new winery opened in 2003 in Diano Arentino in Via Merea, Valcrosa which is now the company’s base. The winery is surrounded by vineyards

Situated next to the winery are the ‘Valcrosa’ self-catering villas which opened in 2009. The four independent villas are located within the vineyard and are ideal for guests who value silence and nature.

Taggia May 2011

Vermentino 2010 (13%) Light neutral nose. On palate, fresh and zippy. Lively, limey and white fruit on the nose. Slightly nutty, fruit more subdued.

St Martin Vésubie 16th March 2014

Vermentino 2010 Was worried this was going to be too old – what a big surprise. Still young with lots of life with fresh lemony acidity – with a touch of minerality and very faint hints of kerosene. Round with good ripe breadth of fruit – spice and lemons.