Testalonga

Origins & Location

Testalonga is a small, historic winery located in the village of Dolceacqua in the western part of Liguria, Italy, near the French border in the province of Imperia. The estate is run by winemaker Antonio Perrino, with help from his niece, Erica Perrino.

Vineyard & Grapes

Perrino works modestly and traditionally, with small vineyard holdings planted on steep, terraced hillsides. The vines are old, the soils rugged and influenced by sea breezes from the nearby Mediterranean.
The winery focuses primarily on Rossese di Dolceacqua, the region’s native red grape variety, known for its delicate structure and aromatic character. Perrino also produces small amounts of Vermentino, a fresh, expressive Ligurian white.

Winemaking Philosophy & Style

Antonio Perrino follows a hands-on, minimal-intervention approach. Fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts, aging takes place in old barrels, and the wines are bottled with minimal manipulation.
His goal is to let the vineyards and vintage speak for themselves. The resulting wines are elegant, lightly structured, and full of Mediterranean character — combining notes of herbs, red fruit, and sea air.

Key Highlights & Significance

• Testalonga’s Rossese is considered one of the most authentic and expressive examples of this Ligurian grape variety.

• Production is very small, and most of the work is done manually, reflecting a deep respect for the land and tradition.

• The wines are beloved by enthusiasts who seek purity, restraint, and terroir-driven personality.

• They pair beautifully with Ligurian cuisine, such as seafood, herbs, and olive-oil-based dishes.