The Roero Rosso is not only the name of the wine-growing area of Piedmont located on the left side of the Tanaro river, between the Langhe and the hills of Monferrato, but it is also the name used on the label for the red wine produced in the area. The grape variety that takes centre stage here is once again the Nebbiolo, which acquires unique and singular characteristics, providing a liquid representation of a territory that has lived in the shadow of the Langhe for a long time. The character of these wines is based more on finesse than on structure, on fruity freshness rather than on tertiary aromas, and can be enjoyed immediately or left to wait, like all respectable Nebbiolo wines.
The Roero Rosso is not only the name of the wine-growing area of Piedmont located on the left side of the Tanaro river, between the Langhe and the hills of Monferrato, but it is also the name used on the label for the red wine produced in the area. The grape variety that takes centre stage here is once again the Nebbiolo, which acquires unique and singular characteristics, providing a liquid representation of a territory that has lived in the shadow of the Langhe for a long time. The character of these wines is based more on finesse than on structure, on fruity freshness rather than on tertiary aromas, and can be enjoyed immediately or left to wait, like all respectable Nebbiolo wines.
This Piedmontese wine-growing area is situated at a prestigious and historic enological crossroads, lying between the Langhe and Monferrato areas, between the Carmagnola plain and the gentle hills of the Astigiano area, but also in terms of gastronomy, situated north of Alba and south of Turin. All these geographical details are necessary in order to identify this area of enviable scenic beauty, which for too long has been forgotten in favour of the more famous and renowned surrounding wine making areas. This region, which is particularly renowned for the production of red wines, has always been involved in a long-standing, but inconsistent, competition with its cousins from the Langhe. Both deal with Nebbiolo, refining it in wooden barrels of different capacities, toasting it and defying time by playing on its evolutionary potential. Those who believe that they know Rosso Roero only by a comparison with Barolo, risk missing the unique and irreplaceable essence of this denomination. Despite the fact that the grapes used to make the wine are the same, it is the soil in which they are rooted, grow and reproduce that is different and gives rise to equally unique sensations in the glass. Here, on the left bank of the river, the soils are sandy and gravelly, younger and poorer than the ancient marls of the Langhe. The hills are steeper and more rugged, less geometric and harmonious to the eye, but equally suited to high quality production.
The 'Rocche', which are the sharp geometric ridges that divide the land of continental origin from that of marine origin, are the iconic symbols of this area. This part of the Roero area, which is not solely dominated by vines but is inhabited by woods, orchards and hazelnut groves, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts an increasing number of tourists, who now realise that beyond the left bank of the Tanaro, a wonderful landscape is ready to welcome them.
According to the regulations, 95% of the entire blend must be made up of Nebbiolo grapes, even though most of the producers in the Roero area prefer to produce it on its own, in order to enhance its expressive purity. While in the Langhe they try to play on the structure of the sip, creating wines with body and vigour, in the Roero area they prefer characteristics such as freshness and finesse, elegance and ease of drinking. The olfactory bouquet of this Piedmontese wine is broad and multifaceted, with juicy and fragrant wild berries clearly evident, which linger for a long time in the glass. The wine is in no rush to develop tertiary and evolved scents, giving the consumer time to approach the glass slowly and reflectively. When the taste finally reaches its peak of perfection and integrity, satisfying the palate, the olfactory profile begins to evolve following the rhythm of a terroir that is worth discovering for its uniqueness. In order to interpret it at its best, Roero Rosso should be paired with the typical gastronomic specialities of this territory, such as tajarin with white truffle, knife-beaten fassona or meat from Alba. Try a glass of "Renesio" or "Mombeltramo" of Malvirà with the classic tuma cheese or a sip of "La Val dei Preti" or "Roche d'Ampsej" with maltagliati in mushroom sauce. Absolutely unmissable and 100% territorial!
If you too are a lover of great food and drink, you can find a wide selection of wines for sale online on the Callmewine wine shop, including Roero Rosso on special offer at an extremely competitive price.