Roero

Roero occupies the north-eastern corner of the province of Cuneo in Piedmont, on the left bank of the Tanaro and opposite the Langhe hills around Alba. It is a rolling landscape of vineyards, orchards and woodland. Canale is its historic and commercial focal point, while Vezza d’Alba, Monteu Roero, Santo Stefano Roero, Montà and Corneliano d’Alba are among the important villages. The area is also associated with Canale peaches and the Madernassa pear, which originated at Vezza d’Alba.

The landscape is defined by the Rocche del Roero, deep and steep erosion gullies cutting through the hills. Soils are largely relatively young marine deposits of sand, clay and limestone, with sand often more evident than in much of the Langhe. A continental climate brings warm summers, cold winters and marked day–night temperature variation. These factors, together with aspect and local effects from the Tanaro, favour wines of perfume, freshness and clear definition.

The Roero DOCG principally covers red Roero and white Roero Arneis. Nebbiolo must account for at least 95 per cent of red Roero, and Arneis is likewise the mandatory leading grape, at a minimum of 95 per cent, in Roero Arneis. Barbera and Brachetto are also grown locally, but they do not define the classic DOCG identity. Arneis was historically planted alongside Nebbiolo and has become Roero’s signature white variety.

Roero Arneis is generally dry and light- to medium-bodied, with pear, white peach, citrus, floral notes, almond and occasionally a discreet saline or spicy note. The finest examples have enough substance to develop over several years. Red Roero is usually aromatic and refined, showing rose, cherry, raspberry, orange peel, tea and earthy tones. Its tannins are firm, yet the sandy soils can make them feel less massive than those of Barolo. Young bottles are excellent at table; serious Roero, especially Riserva, can age gracefully.