Across the Tanaro River from Barolo lies Roero, a region defined by its sandy, ancient seabed soils. For years, the broader market has treated Roero as Nebbiolo’s elegant, earlier-drinking cousin. However, those who truly know Piedmont understand that the right sites in Roero produce wines with profound aging potential. Few producers prove this better than Malvirà.
Run by the Damonte family, this estate is the undisputed benchmark for the region. What makes them truly invaluable to our Italian portfolio is their library program. They hold back parcels of their single-vineyard Riservas, releasing them only when they enter their ideal drinking windows. We have just landed a spectacular “Winery Direct” collection spanning an entire decade of iconic vintages. Because these come straight from the estate’s cellars in Canale, the provenance is absolutely flawless, allowing us to offer mature, perfectly stored Nebbiolo at an unbeatable value.
Here is a breakdown of the three legendary crus featured in this release.
The Muscular Outlier: Mombeltramo
While Roero is famous for its sandy soils, the Mombeltramo cru is a geographical anomaly, deeply rooted in clay and limestone. This terroir yields the most muscular, Barolo-like wine in the Malvirà stable, requiring significant time in the cellar to soften its formidable structure.
The 2016 Malvira “Mombeltramo” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo is a masterpiece from a legendary vintage. It shows massive structural integrity and power, loaded with dark cherry fruit, iron, and a deep, truffley, savory core that is just beginning to unfold. The 2014 Malvira “Mombeltramo” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo is a testament to the Damonte family’s vineyard work, defying the cooler vintage with striking aromatic lift. It offers high-toned floral notes, tobacco, and a lithe, energetic palate that is peaking beautifully right now. The 2013 Malvira “Mombeltramo” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo comes from a classic, highly structured year, delivering profound tertiary layers of dried rose petal, tar, and leather, with perfectly resolved tannins that frame a long, haunting finish.
The Historical Core: Renesio
Renesio is one of the most historically significant hills in Roero (reportedly the birthplace of the Arneis grape) and features a balanced mix of calcareous clay and sand. Nebbiolo grown here bridges the gap between power and ethereal grace.
The 2011 Malvira “Renesio” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo perfectly reflects the warmth of the vintage. It possesses a generous, opulent profile of sweet dried cherry, baking spice, and licorice, all wrapped in a plush, silky texture that makes it incredibly hedonistic today. The 2010 Malvirà “Renesio” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo is an absolute standout from a monumental Piedmontese vintage. It retains an electric tension, driven by profound earthy minerality, crushed dried flowers, and a chiseled, architectural structure that shows it still has years of graceful evolution ahead.
The Sandy Benchmark: Trinità
The Trinità vineyard surrounds the winery itself and represents the quintessential expression of Roero’s sandy terroir. These are wines of soaring aromatics, immediate charm, and ethereal elegance.
The 2010 Malvirà “Trinità” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo is a masterclass in finesse. It offers a crystalline expression of wild strawberry, crushed mint, and white pepper draped over a delicate, lacy tannic frame that floats across the palate. The 2006 Malvirà “Trinità” Roero Riserva Nebbiolo is a rare, mature treasure. At nearly two decades old, it showcases the absolute magic of perfectly aged Nebbiolo with mesmerizing notes of worn leather, sweet tobacco, dried orange peel, and forest floor. It is a profound meditation wine that proves exactly why Roero deserves a prominent place in any serious collector’s cellar.
