Roero DOCG
Permitted Varieties
Roero DOCG
Overview
Roero is Piedmont’s rising star, producing age-worthy Nebbiolo reds and aromatic Arneis whites from the sandy hills on the left bank of the Tanaro River, directly opposite the more famous Langhe. Elevated to DOCG status in 2004, Roero offers a more approachable, earlier-drinking style of Nebbiolo compared to neighboring Barolo and Barbaresco, while Arneis—once nearly extinct—has become one of Piedmont’s most popular white wines. The region’s distinctive sandy soils and slightly earlier ripening create wines of elegance and perfume.
Geography & Climate
Location: Piedmont; left bank of Tanaro River; opposite Langhe
Size: ~1,200 ha
Elevation: 150-400m (490-1,310 ft)
Climate: Continental with maritime influence
- Growing Degree Days: 1,600-1,850 GDD
- Rainfall: 700-900mm
- Temperature: Slightly warmer than Langhe
The Sandy Difference:
- Ancient marine sands
- Well-drained
- Less tannin extraction
- Earlier ripening
- More aromatic expression
Soil Types:
- Sand (dominant; marine origin)
- Marl (some)
- Clay (limited)
Key Characteristic: Sandy soils = more approachable, aromatic Nebbiolo.
Wine Styles
Roero Rosso (Nebbiolo)
Character: Elegant, aromatic, earlier-drinking
- Nebbiolo min 95%
- Rose, violet perfume
- Red cherry, raspberry
- Softer tannins than Barolo
- More approachable young
Comparison to Barolo:
| Aspect | Roero | Barolo |
|---|---|---|
| Tannins | Softer | Firmer |
| Accessibility | Earlier | Needs time |
| Aromatics | More perfumed | More structured |
| Price | Accessible | Premium |
Roero Arneis (White)
Character: Aromatic, fresh
- 100% Arneis
- Pear, almond
- White flowers
- Fresh acidity
- Piedmont’s premier white
Arneis Revival: Near extinct in 1970s; rescued; now ~800 ha.
Classification & Regulations
DOCG Requirements:
| Wine | Composition | Aging |
|---|---|---|
| Roero | Min 95% Nebbiolo | 20 months (6 wood) |
| Roero Riserva | Min 95% Nebbiolo | 32 months (6 wood) |
| Roero Arneis | 100% Arneis | Fresh release |
| Roero Arneis Spumante | 100% Arneis | Sparkling |
History
Timeline:
- Roman era: Viticulture established
- Medieval: “Roeri” wines mentioned
- 1970s: Arneis near extinction
- 1985: DOC established
- 2004: DOCG elevation
- Today: Quality renaissance
Arneis Rescue: Bruno Giacosa and Alfredo Currado (Vietti) championed revival.
Name Origin: “Arneis” = “little rascal” in Piedmontese (difficult grape to grow).
Key Constraints & Production Notes
Terroir Zones:
- Sandy hilltops: Most elegant
- Lower slopes: Fuller wines
Viticulture:
- Guyot training
- Careful Nebbiolo management
- Arneis harvested early (maintain acidity)
Winemaking:
| Wine | Approach |
|---|---|
| Roero Rosso | Oak aging; varies |
| Roero Arneis | Stainless steel; fresh |
Aging Potential:
- Roero: 8-15 years
- Riserva: 10-20 years
- Arneis: 2-5 years (best young)
Notable Producers
Quality Benchmarks:
- Cascina Ca’ Rossa
- Malvirà
- Matteo Correggia
- Negro Angelo
- Monchiero Carbone
- Deltetto
- Marco Porello
- Almondo
Matteo Correggia: Benchmark estate; proved Roero quality.
Malvirà: Arneis specialists; define the variety.
Roero vs. Langhe Nebbiolo
The Left Bank Alternative
| Aspect | Roero | Langhe (Barolo/Barbaresco) |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Left (north) | Right (south) |
| Soil | Sandy | Clay-limestone |
| Style | Elegant, aromatic | Structured, powerful |
| Price | Accessible | Premium |
Value Proposition: Nebbiolo quality at accessible prices.
Common Challenges
Recognition
- Cause: Barolo/Barbaresco overshadow.
- Risk: Limited visibility.
- Response: Quality focus; identity building.
Arneis Variability
- Cause: Neutral grape; vintage dependent.
- Risk: Quality inconsistency.
- Response: Careful viticulture; producer selection.
References
-
Consorzio Tutela Roero (2025). “Disciplinare.” Link
-
Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Publisher Link
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: Consorzio Roero, MIPAAF
Research Grade: Technical reference