RED and WHITE WINES of ROERO

Roero, is a region located in the northwest of Italy, famous for the production of various fruit products and high quality wines. Its privileged geographical location, a favorable climate, create ideal conditions for the cultivation of fragrant, distinctive and nowadays also valuable grapes.

The Roero wines could be called a “gem” for connoisseurs. Yes, because they are wedged between the two most important wine realities, that of the famous Red and white wines of the Langhe and that of the cousins of the large area of the Monferrato They have a definite personality and that I love very much! On the other hand, SlowDays is based in the Roero and has known “roerini” products for a long time.

Roero’s climate

is influenced by the proximity of the Alps and the Tanaro River. Temperature swings between day and night favor the ripening of the grapes, while the mineral-rich soil gives distinctive characteristics to the wines.

The winemaking tradition of the Roero

dates back centuries. As early as Roman times, the cultivation of vines was an important part of the local economy. Over the years, the Roero has given rise to wineries that, with their production techniques, have managed to make their way in the world with their increasingly appreciated wines.

The soil in this area of Piedmont, has very different characteristics from that of other neighboring areas. It is an almost arid-looking, sandy soil that reminds us that in ancient times there was a sea here! The vines grown on these hills yield fruit with a marked character.

This article will explore the types of red and white wines of Roero, the areas of production, and the characteristics that make these wines unique.

ROERO TOWNS AND THEIR PRODUCTION OF WHITE AND RED WINE

Roero and Roero Arneis Docg are produced in the territory that includes in the following towns:

BALDISSERO D’ALBA

About 13 hectares of vineyards. The area ranges from the Rocche area to the central belt of the appellation. The areas close to the Rocche, with their sandy, almost limestone-free and rather arid soils, are perfect for Roero Arneis.

CANALE

Canale, we say, is the capital of Roero, both for its vibrancy and the extent of its vineyards. About 240 hectares devoted to vineyards and DOCG production. Sandy soil with components that make it ideal for making complex Roero, with great structure and suitable for aging.

CASTAGNITO

Southeastern area of Roero, closer to the Tanaro. Most of the production is dedicated to arneis and a few hectares dedicated to nebbiolo.

CASTELLINALDO

Municipality with as many as 260 hectares of cultivated vines. With the DOCG more than 100 hectares. Most of the production is Arneis, a small part Nebbiolo. It is a beautiful commune to cross even on foot. Flat surfaces alternate with woods and vineyards. A beautiful castle in the village creates the right atmosphere! The wines of this commune are fresh and mineral. Excellent in summer! Recently, the commune of Castellinaldo also obtained DOCG for Barbera d’Alba, making this production important as well.

CORNELIANO

Corneliano d’Alba has about 30 hectares of vines. Also in this commune, the major production is of Arneis with a small part of Nebbiolo. The white Arneis produced in these parts is particularly savory and interesting.

GOVONE

A commune with a very important area of vineyards: more than 200 hectares. Here we find a preponderance of red wines and in particular Barbera. Few hectares are DOCG.

GUARENE

A small and iconic municipality of Roero, it has about 20 hectares of vines with DOCG status. Almost all of them are Arneis. Very structured Arneis that supports aging well. Another area rich in trails and walks!

MAGLIANO ALFIERI

Few hectares of DOCG in this municipality. Less than a dozen. Production divided between Arneis and Nebbiolo, with good structure and interesting sugar content.

MONTÀ

Municipality in the northwest of the Roero area. Good area planted with vines, about 100 hectares. More than 70% Arneis and the remainder, Nebbiolo. Very varied soil that gives rise to a fresh, elegant and very aromatic Arneis! Its red Roero is also highly appreciated and rich in nuances of color, flavor and fragrance.

MONTALDO ROERO

It lies in a fantastic territory, that of the Rocche that form its border. Just over 50 hectares planted with vines. Mostly Arneis. Fresh, elegant Roero Arneis. The red Roero produced here has good structure and ages well.

MONTEU ROERO

Monteu is characterized by a large vineyard area and also among the highest vineyards in the Roero. 150 hectares of vineyards, some up to 400 meters above sea level. Much of the subsoil tends to be arid, a sandy soil in places. These characteristics are reflected in the Roero Arneis produced here. The red Roero is low in tannins. Still, a commune that offers much variety of wines with different characteristics: interesting!

MONTICELLO D’ALBA

Monticello d’Alba, little DOCG production, about twenty hectares. Soil already somewhat reminiscent of the Langhe area. The Roero Arneis is noteworthy for body and flavor.

PIOBESI

The most “albese” commune in the Roero, little steep hills and less sandy soil. About fifty hectares of vineyard area for Roero Arneis wines with good body and for a Roero with an emblematic perfume.

POCAPAGLIA

Pocapaglia has vineyards in its southern area, mainly. Sandy soils and little limestone. About ten hectares of vines, mainly Roero Arneis. Elegant and fresh.

PRIOCCA

Priocca is located in the northeast of the Roero area. The soil characterizes a production of wines with good alcohol content, with particular and intense aroma. Large area planted with vines, about 130 hectares. Large presence of barbera. Main production Arneis and in smaller quantities the Roero’s one.

SANTA VITTORIA D’ALBA

Southern Roero with vineyards south of the commune. About 20 hectares of vineyards, almost all Arneis.

SANTO STEFANO ROERO

Varied territory, richly wooded. There are about fifty hectares planted with vines registered for the appellation. About twenty dedicated to Nebbiolo. Roero Arneis from this commune, savory and elegant. Red Roero with good structure and intense flavor

SOMMARIVA PERNO

Sommariva Perno is the commune with the smallest area of vines. About five hectares, almost all of Arneis.

VEZZA D’ALBA

Large vineyard production, about two hundred hectares of production. Mostly Roero Arneis. Limestone and clay soil creates a bottled wine with particular freshness, structure and complexity. Various producers with a wide range of particular productions.

ROERO RED WINES

Roero Red Wines.

The red wines of the Roero area are mostly produced from the Nebbiolo grape of Piedmont. Grapes that are the mother of powerful and great wines. In the Roero has declined an excellent wine with a special note that distinguishes it from its more emblazoned brothers in the Langhe!

The Roero wine area in Piedmont is known for its red wines made from Nebbiolo, the area’s most famous grape variety. Roero reds have a deep ruby red color and ripe fruit aromas. Flavors are generally dry, with soft tannins and good acidity. Roero red wines are perfect with red meat dishes, aged cheeses and mushroom dishes.

In addition to the largest productions of Roero, there are other red wines produced in the Roero area. Although Nebbiolo is the main grape variety used for the production of Roero red wines, we also find other varieties such as Barbera, Bonarda, and Freisa. Roero Rosso is a wine made from pure Nebbiolo grapes, and Roero Rosso Riserva is a wine aged for at least one year in oak barrels and at least three months in the bottle. An excellent rosé is also produced from Roero.

ROERO

produced in the Roero area, has managed to achieve fame and prestige on par with other great reds in the region. Making itself as valid and appreciated as Barolo and Barbaresco. Unlike these wines-which according to the production regulations are made with pure Nebbiolo-the Roero Rosso wine can be made with at least 95 percent Nebbiolo and the remainder with red grapes authorized in the area. Despite the specification that calls for the use of other varieties, Roero Rosso is in most cases produced with Nebbiolo in purity. The Nebbiolo grape is the most widespread in Piedmont and is also the origin of other famous wines in other areas. I would say that this is also a SLOW wine. A wine that accompanies dishes with a long cooking time, that likes to be understood and savored.
BARBERA

Barbera is another popular red grape variety in Roero, although recognition is fairly recent. As of August 2021, Barbera d’Alba also has a sub-zone in Roero, the Castellinaldo appellation.

“The Castellinaldo sub-area extends to the orographic left of the Tanaro River over the territory of six municipalities where the soils are looser and the sandy component is greater than in the other municipalities where Barbera d’Alba is produced.”

Barbera wines are prized for their fruity character, lively acidity and soft tannins.

ROERO'S WHITE WINES

Roero white wines: not just fruit

The Roero, unlike the Langhe where practically every inch of land is planted with vines, sees the presence of forests and orchards. In its landscape one can also find very distinctive geological formations: the Rocche.

The soil is very sandy, which is why Roero has several types of wine from the Langhe

Roero is also known for producing quality white wines, largely based on the native Arneis grape variety. The Roero Arneis, a dry white, DOCG. Then, less well known and less widespread, Roero Bianco is another type of white wine produced in the area, which can be made from pure Arneis grapes or blended with other white varieties such as Moscato, Favorita and Chardonnay. In spite of what people say about white wines for aging, more and more often we find wines made from full-bodied and important Arneis grapes that live well a couple of years of aging. In fact, they get even better character from it.

In general, Roero white wines are fresh and fruity, perfect with fish dishes, fresh cheeses and light dishes. The Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG) guarantees the quality and origin of the wines produced, appreciate them for their freshness and elegance.

ROERO ARNEIS

Roero Arneis wine is one of the main wines of Roero and is produced in 19 municipalities. Did you know that in Piedmontese the term Arneis stands for an extrovert, cheerful and friendly person? Roero Arneis wine is white, dry, very fragrant, although not on the list of aromatic wines. It has a bouquet of scents such as sage, lime, flowers, grass and white-fleshed fruit. For a white it is quite high in alcohol content (between 12.5 and 14%vol.) so it is excellent with stuffed pasta, vegetable dishes and fish. Piedmontese Roero Arneis white wine is also popular for aperitifs accompanied by a board of cold cuts and cheeses…

FAVORITA

In the Roero white wines are very special and appreciated. Just think that this wine was called Favorita precisely because it was the favorite white grape of King Victor Emmanuel II. The same grape in Liguria is named Vermentino and Pigato, although obviously in the glass it will have peculiar characteristics given its belonging to Roero wines.

SOME PRODUCERS OF RED AND WHITE WINES OF THE ROERO

Some wineries from my personal selection

Porello Vini:

Family business that saw the birth of a passion for wine in the early 1900s. First only as winemakers and then since 1930 also as wine producers. They currently produce about 120,000 bottles of wine from 15 hectares of vineyards. 4 red wines – Barbera, Nebbiolo, Roero, 3 white wines – Arneis and Favorita and 1 dessert rosé wine.

Farm with winery in Canale (Cn)

Pace vini:

1934 is the year of its beginning. Developed from generation to generation until the turning point that saw it take the lead in wine production in 1996. The vineyards are all treated with the utmost care and attention in respect of our land. The use of chemicals is kept to a minimum. Native grape varieties of Barbera, Nebbiolo, Arneis, Favorita, Chardonnay. Production of red and white wines and a brut to taste!

Cantina in Canale (CN) – pacevini

Cantina Negro:

The Negro family owns one of the best-known farms in the Roero. A cadastral register, found in an old archive in the municipality of Monteu Roero, tells a story of more than 300 years of presence in the area.

The winery has about 70 hectares of vineyards and ranges in the Roero area but also in Barolo and Barbaresco. Their production covers many labels and they also shine several Riserva bottles that will amaze you.

Monteu Roero winery location (Cn) angelonegro

Matteo Correggia,

Family farm the result of an evolution that never stops. Always new goals in the field of organic, marketing and awareness of the strength of the family and the territory.

Wines such as Roero, Roero riserva, Barbera but also a Brachetto will be a journey through the history of this family that crosses its destiny with the Barolo Boys and Carlin Petrini. In memory of a visionary whose very name was Matteo Correggia.

Canale (CN) – matteocorreggia.com

Tenuta Carretta:

A historic winery, its existence is known as far back as 1467. The winery is also flanked by a restaurant and a charming hotel. An elegant winery in a charming location.

Vineyards cared for with sustainable methods, manual harvesting. In the bottle comes the balance and harmony of all the activities that preceded it.

Tenuta Carretta also has vineyards in the Barolo area, with excellent crus such as Cannubi. We also find among its productions, an excellent Barbaresco. In the Roero area, the famous Roero Arneis Cayega stands out, known and appreciated on international tables.

Winery main office in Piobesi d’Alba (CN) TenutaCarretta

Guide Langhe Roero and Monferrato

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Monferrato’s red and white winesI vini rossi e bianchi del Monferrato

The Tour to discover the Roero's Red Wines

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Roero red and white wines