An elegant Nebbiolo from the sandy steep slopes of the Roero – certified organic, vinified with three weeks of maceration and guided by Luca’s motto “Everything is already in the grape”.
Bottler: Az. Agr. Valfaccenda, Loc. Valfaccenda Fraz. Madonna di Loreto, 12043 Canale CN Roero / Italy
In the glass
Colour
Light ruby red with delicate lightening towards the rim and violet reflections.
Nose
Fragrant sour cherries and wild raspberries meet floral notes, thyme and rosehip – accompanied by a cool mineral depth reminiscent of wild herbs and wet sand.
Palate
Dry with red berry fruit and a subtle fruity sweetness; refreshing acidity lends it a slender profile, whilst youthful tannins provide structure.
Character
A Nebbiolo of remarkable finesse and early approachability – the sandy Sabbie Astiane soils of the Roero bestow upon it greater grace than the heavier marl sites of neighbouring Barolo.
Pairing
Tajarin with truffle, Brasato al Roero or mature Castelmagno – hearty Piedmontese cuisine that complements the wine’s youthful tannins.
Notes
Blend from the Mompellini, Loreto and San Grato vineyard sites with varying exposures; certified organic since 2014; founding member of the SoloRoero collective, which gives the Roero its own distinct voice alongside the mighty Barolo.
Tasting note
Colour & appearance
Pale ruby red with delicate lightening towards the rim and violet reflections.
Nose
Fragrant and captivating: sour cherries, wild raspberries, flowers, thyme and rosehip. A red wine that already displays precision and finesse on the nose, along with a cool mineral depth.
Palate
Dry yet showing red berry fruit and a delicate fruity sweetness. The acidity is refreshing and invigorating, making it appear incredibly lithe. The still youthful tannins call for hearty, substantial dishes.
Finish
Fine and cool, with a hint of wild herbs and wet sand – entirely in the house style, bringing mountain air and maritime history into the glass.
Terroir & origin
The grapes come from various vineyards of different ages in the municipalities of Canale and Santo Stefano Roero: Mompellini, Loreto and San Grato. The subsoil is characterised by clay and sand, with exposures ranging from south-west to east and west. Valfaccenda farms 3.5 hectares on sandy steep slopes between 260 and 400 metres above sea level – ancient seabed of the Sabbie Astiane, which lends the Nebbiolo here remarkable elegance and early accessibility.
Grape variety & vinification
100% Nebbiolo. The grapes are harvested at their optimal ripeness and combined as an assemblage. The Roero rosso DOCG 2023 undergoes three weeks of maceration; fermentation takes place over a few weeks in casks, and bottling occurs during the waning moon of the following autumn. After further bottle ageing, it is released onto the market.
Food recommendations
The youthful tannins and vibrant acidity call for hearty cuisine: Tagliatelle al ragù, Brasato al Nebbiolo, Agnolotti del plin or Funghi trifolati. Also a reliable match with mature Parmigiano or braised rabbit.
Special features
Certified organic since 2014, Luca Faccenda follows the motto “Everything is already in the grape” – minimal intervention, maximum attention. Together with Alberto Oggero and Enrico Cauda, he founded the SoloRoero collective, a statement against the overpowering neighbour Barolo. This wine demonstrates why the Roero deserves greater attention: a Nebbiolo of remarkable elegance that does not need lengthy ageing to please.
