Roero

Only a short drive from Barolo and Barbaresco, Roero remains one of Piemonte’s most overlooked wine regions. While it first gained recognition for its expressive Arneis, the region also produces outstanding Nebbiolo and Barbera that deserve far greater attention. Less crowded than the Langhe, Roero rewards visitors with beautiful scenery, welcoming wineries and wines of remarkable character.

Overview

Situated on the left bank of the Tanaro River, opposite Barolo and Barbaresco, Roero occupies a landscape that is both familiar and strikingly different. The rolling hills are generally lower than those of the Langhe but are often steep, while the spectacular sandstone cliffs known as the Rocche form one of Piemonte’s most distinctive natural landmarks. Beyond the vineyards, fruit orchards, woodland and mixed farming contribute to a varied rural landscape. The region takes its name from the medieval Roero family, who ruled much of the area during the feudal period. 

Terroir

Although Roero, Barolo and Barbaresco once shared the same ancient seabed of the Golfo Padano, their geological histories later diverged. Sediments eroded from the rising Langhe hills were deposited across Roero before millions of years of erosion created today’s predominantly sandy soils. Around 60 per cent of Roero’s vineyards are planted on sand, together with marl, sandstone, clay and smaller amounts of limestone.

These free-draining soils are central to the region’s identity, producing wines that are typically fragrant, elegant and finely textured. They also present a significant challenge for growers, as the vineyards retain little moisture during increasingly dry summers. Water management has therefore become one of the region’s most important viticultural issues.

Wines

Roero’s reputation today rests largely on Arneis, the region’s signature white grape. Capable of producing fresh, aromatic wines as well as more complex examples with ageing potential, it has become one of Piemonte’s most successful white varieties.

The region’s red wines are made predominantly from Nebbiolo, producing a style that is generally more approachable in youth than Barolo or Barbaresco while retaining the grape’s characteristic perfume, elegance and structure. Barbera also performs well on the sandy soils and remains an important part of the region’s viticultural heritage.