Roero

Roero DOCG sits on sandy hills on the left bank of the river Tanaro, immediately opposite the famous regions of Barolo and Barbaresco. The most important town in Roero is Canale.

Roero is most famous for its white wine made from the local grape Arneis, which accounts for 77% of all plantings. This grape produces delicate white wines with flavours of white flowers, apricots and pears. It’s also used to create spumante sparkling wines and award-winning orange wines.

The main red grape permitted in Roero is Nebbiolo, which makes up the remaining 23% of local production. Technically, it’s permitted to blend 95% Nebbiolo with 5% of other red grapes such as Barbera, but it’s very unusual. The red Roero tends to be softer than the version produced just across the river in Barolo and Barbaresco. As a result, it requires less ageing: DOCG rules only require it to age for 20 months, with at least six in wooden barrels. The more prestigious Riserva needs to spend at least 32 months ageing, again with six in wood. It’s a wine that definitely deserves more attention, and is well worth adding to your “to-try” list.

Our in-depth Guide to Roero DOCG has more information about this region and its (often underrated) wines.