Roero Riserva La Val dei Preti 2020 – Matteo Correggia

The Roero Riserva La Val dei Preti 2020 by Matteo Correggia is a stellar representation of the Roero DOCG, spotlighting the Nebbiolo grape’s adaptability and the unique characteristics of the Roero region in Piedmont, Italy. This wine not only pays homage to the exceptional terroir of Val dei Preti but also showcases the winemaking prowess of Matteo Correggia, a name synonymous with innovation and quality in the Piedmontese wine landscape.

Nebbiolo, the noble grape behind some of Italy’s most prestigious wines, finds a different expression in Roero compared to its more famous counterparts in Barolo and Barbaresco. The varietal is renowned for its thick skin, high tannins, and acidity, which contribute to its significant structure and aging potential. Nebbiolo’s aromatic profile is complex, featuring a spectrum of aromas from ripe red fruits and roses to earthy undertones and spices, evolving beautifully with age.

Roero, situated on the left bank of the Tanaro River, opposite the Barolo and Barbaresco zones, is distinguished by its unique terroir. The region’s sandy soils, in contrast to the clay-limestone composition found in its more famous neighbors, impart a distinctive finesse and aromatic quality to the Nebbiolo grapes. These sandy soils, along with Roero’s microclimate, facilitate the production of Nebbiolo wines that are generally more approachable in their youth, offering a softer tannic structure and a fruitier profile without compromising depth or complexity.

The La Val dei Preti vineyard is among the most esteemed sites in Roero, known for producing Nebbiolo grapes of exceptional quality. The combination of its favorable exposure, elevation, and the sandy soils rich in fossils contributes to the development of Nebbiolo with intense aromatics and a refined palate. The 2020 vintage of the Roero Riserva La Val dei Preti captures the essence of this unique terroir, reflecting a year that provided optimal conditions for the expression of Nebbiolo’s varietal character.

Matteo Correggia’s approach to winemaking is deeply rooted in a philosophy that respects the integrity of the varietal and the expression of terroir. The Roero RiservaLa Val dei Preti 2020 undergoes a meticulous winemaking process, including careful selection of grapes, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and aging in oak barrels to enhance the wine’s complexity and structure while preserving the delicate nuances of the Nebbiolo grape. This careful vinification and aging process ensures a wine that is both expressive of its origin and emblematic of the winemaker’s craft.

Tasting the Roero Riserva La Val dei Preti 2020 reveals a wine that balances elegance with power, featuring a bouquet rich in ripe red berries, floral notes, and hints of spice and mineral undertones. On the palate, it offers a harmonious interplay of fruit and tannins, underscored by a lively acidity that contributes to a long, engaging finish. This wine is a testament to the potential of Nebbiolo in Roero, showcasing the varietal’s ability to reflect the nuances of its terroir with clarity and sophistication.

The Roero Riserva La Val dei Preti 2020 stands as a tribute to the Roero region’s viticultural heritage and Matteo Correggia’s commitment to producing wines of distinction. It invites wine enthusiasts to explore the unique expressions of Nebbiolo beyond the more widely recognized appellations of Barolo and Barbaresco, offering a glimpse into the diversity and richness of Piedmont’s wine regions. Through this wine, Matteo Correggia continues to forge a legacy of excellence, crafting a Roero Riserva that resonates with the history, terroir, and artisanal spirit of Piedmontese winemaking.