Up to 1870 the landscape of the Angera neighbourhood, along LAKE MAGGIORE'S south-eastern shore, was characterised by vineyards known to produce good quality wines; the wine-presses of ROCCA D’ANGERA and the SANTA CATERINA DEL SASSO Hermitage furnish distinct historical proof confirming this winemaking tradition. Nowadays, the wine extracted from local vines is carving itself a niche worthy of note, and local authorities are applying for the Typical Geographic certification as “Ronchi Varesini” for the whites, reds, and rosé produced by the “bosine” wine-making companies.

The name recalls the characteristic terraced cultivation (“ronchi”), common to the Varese province ever since the times of Carlo Borromeo. The entire production is currently absorbed by the local market, mainly by restaurateurs particularly sensitive to the valorisation of the territory’s “native” eno-gastronomy products.

Producers are aiming to have the Varese province once again acknowledged for its rediscovery of that vocation essential to the enhancement of the wine-making sector, both in terms of terrain extent and quality. In conclusion, finding bottles won’t be easy, but, one could find a treasure...