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In the south of Piedmont, where the Maritime Alps and Ligurian Apennines form a stunning backdrop to the hills, lie two areas where vines have been
grown since time immemorial: the Langhe and the Roero. Between them runs a river, the Tanaro, which acts as a natural boundary as well as separating the two areas geologically.
Hills dominate the scenery on both the right and left banks of the river, but each side is distinguished by precise, specific features. All around, the mountains rise up like a bulwark defending this
spectacular amphitheatre of hills, safeguarding the vines so they can continue, year after year, to offer up their highly-prized fruit.
Divided by the tumultuous course of the River Tanaro, both the Langhe and the Roero have geologic origins dating back to the Tertiary Period. The Roero is the younger of the two, formed as it
was in Pliocene times. This is reflected in the properties of its soil, which is calcareous and clayey, often with layers of sand making it softer and less compact.
The Langhe hills, on the other hand, date back to the earlier Miocene epoch, and while the soil is calcareous and clayey here too, it is heavier and firmer.
These subtle differences in origin and formation are reflected in the grapes and in the wines: those grown on the hills of the Langhe are generally more structured and longer-lasting, whereas the wines
from the Roero tend to be more balanced and elegant.
Experts define the climate that accompanies the annual cycle of the vine on the hills of the Langhe and Roero as “cold and temperate”. Each year though, the mix of atmospherical conditions is different, and this is what makes the characteristics of each vintage quite unique.
Winters are generally hard and cold, often with heavy snowfalls; spring and autumn are changeable, with the weather subject to sudden variations; the summers are hot, and often dry, with the vines reaping benefit from the providential refreshing storms that occasionally provide respite, providing they are not accompanied by hail.
These very particular soil and weather conditions, in one of the finest microclimates in the world, have a marked effect on the properties of the grapes, producing quite
unique wines which are elegant and well-balanced, and with great structure, yet highly drinkable.
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