Roero Arneis

Roero is a small DOCG qualified vineyard in the Piedmont hills northwest of Alba and along the scenic vineyards of Monferatto and Langhe. Together, the trio of vineyards form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name of the designation is anchored in local history; Roero is the name of a family of bankers who were very influential in the area during the Middle Ages.

The fragrant, pear-scented native variety Arneis thrives here. Reminiscent of soft fruit, the grape produces exuberantly aromatic white wines, making Roero one of Italy's rising wine stars. The wine matures reasonably and after a few years takes on a hazelnut character with a bit of texture. The appellation also produces smaller quantities of dry red wines from Nebbiolo. They produce the variety's archetypal tar and rose aromas, as well as pronounced tannins that can be unmanageable in their youth. That said, Nebbiolo takes on a richer yet softer fruit-driven profile here than the Barolo and Barbaresco styles.