Roero Riserva Loreto DOCG 2020

S. Bordthäuser 12.7.2020

The Azienda Agricola Valfaccenda was founded in 2010 by Luca Faccenda and his partner Carolina Roggera in Canale. On the steep and sandy hills of the Roero, Luca and Carolina grow only the autochthonous grape varieties Nebbiolo and Arneis - in the firm knowledge that only native grape varieties are able to authentically reflect their origin in the bottle. The two hectares owned by the estate are located around the winery near Canale. Other areas on the hills Le Rocche, the landmark of Roero, as well as in Vezza, Madonnna di Loreto in Canale and San Grato in Santo Stefano are cultivated on lease. The soils of Roero are made up of sand, which in ancient times formed the seabed of the Gulf of Padania and sometimes occurs mixed with clay sediments. In 2014, Luca Faccenda registered the farm for organic certification to allow his vines the best conditions for the authentic expression of Roero. 

The 2020 Roero Rieserva Loreto from Valfaccenda combines two vineyards from Madonna di Loreto. The sites belong geographically to the municipality of Canale d'Alba and face southeast. The vines are planted on sandy soils and the site is relatively steep from its topography.

The degree of ripeness varies from vintage to vintage to capture the characteristics of the year. Fermentation and ageing take place in relatively neutral oak barrels until spring. When the moon is waning, the wine is filled and then allowed to mature for another year on the barrel. This is how it can justify its designation "Riserva".

Bright lemon yellow with bright reflections

Pure salt lemon! Grated and zested Amalfi lemons. Salted lemons as well as some grapefruit and bergamot. It also offers plenty of nut butter and miso on the nose. This could be a proper umami whip from the nose. With a little time in the glass, the citrus offensive fades and leaves the field to acacia and lilac flowers. Yellow and red apples stand alongside some tangerine and mango around the glass. In delicate hints, it delivers some saffron and turmeric. One's thoughts quickly drift to short pastry and apricot tart as well as caramelised quince.

With the first sip, it shows its charming, generous side. It offers plenty of yellow fruit in many facets. However, the fruit is quite well contained by its active acid structure. It has a rather slender appearance with a fuller middle. In the mouth, its stony character makes it stand out. A fine melt accompanies it until the finish. Its tart nature is warmly welcome and is repeatedly interrupted by astringency. Very demanding and animating. In the aftertaste, it now seems almost exotic.