2006 Malvirà Trinita Roero Riserva
The 2006 Malvirà “Trinità” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo is a rare, mature treasure. At nearly two decades old, it showcases the
Producer
Malvirà
I have reviewed seven wines from Malvirà, from the 2006 to 2016 vintages, all from Roero. All are Nebbiolo. Scores range from 94 to 96, averaging 95; the highest is the 2010 Malvirà Trinita Roero Riserva (96 points). Malvirà also features in one journal article on this site.
Malvirà is the standard-bearer for Roero, the sandy left bank of the Tanaro that has spent decades in Barolo’s shadow. From Canale, brothers Roberto and Massimo Damonte farm organically across a patchwork of crus, bottling Nebbiolo as single sites rather than blends. Malvirà makes the case that Roero is not a lesser Nebbiolo — simply a different one.
Each cru carries its own signature. Trinità surrounds the winery and is the quintessential expression of Roero’s sand: soaring aromatics, lacy tannins and ethereal elegance. Renesio, one of Roero’s most historic hills and reportedly the birthplace of the Arneis grape, mixes calcareous clay and sand, and its Nebbiolo bridges power and grace — chiselled, mineral and floral. Mombeltramo is the geographical outlier, rooted in clay and limestone, and makes the most muscular, Barolo-like wine of the three, savory and structured, needing time to soften.
What sets the estate apart is its library. The Damontes hold back parcels of their single-vineyard Riservas and release them only when they reach their drinking windows, which is how I have been able to taste Trinità from 2006 and 2010, Renesio from 2010 and 2011 and Mombeltramo from 2013, 2014 and 2016 straight from the cellars in Canale. With age they develop the leather, tar, tobacco and dried-flower complexity usually reserved for the Langhe.
Wine Reviews for Malvirà
2010 Malvirà Trinita Roero Riserva
The 2010 Malvirà “Trinità” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo is a masterclass in finesse. It offers a crystalline expression of wild strawberry,
2010 Malvirà Renesio Roero Riserva
The 2010 Malvirà “Renesio” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo is an absolute standout from a monumental Piedmontese vintage. It retains an electric
2011 Malvirà Renesio Roero Riserva
The 2011 Malvirà “Renesio” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo perfectly reflects the warmth of the vintage. It possesses a generous, opulent profile
2013 Malvirà Mombeltramo Roero Riserva
The 2013 Malvirà “Mombeltramo” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo comes from a classic, highly structured year, delivering profound tertiary layers of dried
2014 Malvirà Mombeltramo Roero Riserva
The 2014 Malvirà “Mombeltramo” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo is a testament to the Damonte family’s vineyard work, defying the cooler vintage
2016 Malvirà Mombeltramo Roero Riserva
The 2016 Malvirà “Mombeltramo” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo is a masterpiece from a legendary vintage. It shows massive structural integrity and
The Roero Revelation: Malvirà’s Library Cellar
Across the Tanaro River from Barolo lies Roero, a region defined by its sandy, ancient seabed soils. For years, the