The
long valley in western Liguria that starts at Monte Saccarello (2,200 m) and
ends at the village of Taggia is known by the name 'Argentina' because of the
shimmering silver colour of the olive leaves moved by the wind. It is an uncontaminated and vertical valley
where difficult nature nevertheless offers beautiful landscapes, ancient
villages, and agro-industrial handicrafts that are more unique than rare.
Between
the villages of Badalucco and Molini di Triora (sadly famous for the
persecution of witches in the 16th century), lies the small hamlet of Agaggio
Inferiore where the Antica Distilleria Cugge thrives. Now in its fourth
generation since its foundation, it continues the production of lavender
essence, an officinal herb that is difficult to cultivate in these mountainous,
stony and poor territories but is particularly fragrant and rich in essences.
The
result of this alchemical craftsmanship born in the early 1900s by the
progenitor Giuseppe 'Pepin' Cugge was and still is a delicate lavender
essential oil of incomparable quality. Its uses, marketed by the family in
various packets, range from curing insomnia and anxiety, headaches, to
improving circulation and many other uses for personal and environmental
well-being.