Wine Denomination from Piedmont
Roero DOCG was established as a DOCG in 2004, having previously been part of the broader Alba DOC zone since 1985. The denomination recognizes the distinct character of wines produced on the left bank of the Tanaro River in Piedmont, across from the more famous Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG zones. Roero produces both red wines from Nebbiolo and white wines from Arneis, with the sandy soils creating wines of distinctive elegance and aromatic intensity compared to their neighbors across the river.
The Roero DOCG covers approximately 700 hectares across 19 communes in the province of Cuneo in northwestern Piedmont. The production zone extends along the left bank of the Tanaro River, including the communes of Canale, Corneliano d'Alba, Piobesi d'Alba, Vezza d'Alba, Castagnito, Guarene, and portions of Alba, Baldissero d'Alba, and others. The area is characterized by steep hillsides and dramatic landscapes known as "rocche" (rocky outcrops) with vineyards planted at elevations ranging from 200 to 450 meters. The distinctive topography creates numerous microclimates and varied exposures ideal for both Nebbiolo and Arneis cultivation.
Roero DOCG produces two distinct wine types from different grape varieties. Roero red wines must contain 95-98% Nebbiolo, with up to 2-5% of non-aromatic red varieties such as Arneis permitted. Roero Arneis white wines must contain 95% Arneis, with up to 5% other authorized white varieties allowed. The Nebbiolo from Roero's sandy soils produces lighter, more approachable wines than Barolo DOCG, while Arneis finds its ideal expression in this terroir, creating aromatic white wines with distinctive character.
Maximum yields for Roero red are set at 8,000 kg per hectare, producing no more than 56 hectoliters per hectare of wine. Roero Arneis permits slightly higher yields of 9,000 kg per hectare. Minimum alcohol content is 12.5% for red Roero and 11.5% for Roero Arneis. Roero red must age for at least 20 months from November 1 of the harvest year, while Riserva requires 32 months aging. Roero Arneis is typically released younger to preserve freshness. Red wine production often employs extended maceration and aging in large Slavonian oak casks or French barriques, though aging periods are shorter than Barolo DOCG, creating more accessible wines.
Roero red wines display ruby red color with orange highlights, lighter than Barolo DOCG. The aroma is elegant and floral, featuring roses, violets, red berries, and subtle spice. On the palate, Roero is medium to full-bodied with refined tannins, bright acidity, and notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones. The sandy soils contribute to a more delicate, aromatic style compared to the power of Barolo DOCG. Roero Arneis shows pale straw yellow color with intense aromas of white flowers, peaches, apricots, and almonds. On the palate, it is dry with medium body, crisp acidity, and a characteristic bitter almond finish that provides savory complexity.
The Roero territory features distinctive sandy soils with marine sediments from the Pliocene epoch, contrasting sharply with the calcareous clay soils of Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG across the Tanaro River. The sandy composition creates excellent drainage and earlier ripening, while also contributing to the aromatic intensity and refined tannin structure of Roero wines. The steep hillsides and varied exposures create numerous microclimates. The area experiences a continental climate with cold winters, warm summers, and significant diurnal temperature variation that preserves acidity while allowing phenolic ripeness.
Roero DOCG regulations establish strict quality standards including vineyard registration, yield restrictions, and aging requirements. All wines must undergo chemical analysis and sensory evaluation before receiving DOCG certification. The denomination permits indication of specific vineyard sites (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive) on labels when wines meet additional quality criteria. Riserva designation requires extended aging and represents wines from the best vineyard sites and vintages. The regulations recognize both the red Nebbiolo-based wines and white Arneis wines as distinct but equally important expressions of Roero terroir, establishing the denomination as a complete wine zone producing both colors at DOCG quality level.