Roero Arneis 'ROA' Stefano Occhetti 2022

The Roero Arneis ‘ROA’ by Stefano Occhetti is a label rich in fragrant and alluring aromas, produced according to a handcrafted approach. Winemaker Stefano Occhetti began his winemaking adventure in 2019 after several years spent in Rome, Paris, and Stavanger working as an engineer. The call of his Monteu Roero, where his grandparents were dedicated to viticulture, prevailed, and soon Stefano established himself as one of the most pleasant new entries in the Roero wine scene. The cultivated varieties are the traditional ones, namely Nebbiolo and Barbera for reds and Arneis for whites, vines grown and worked with a conscientious spirit towards the health of the environment and the expressive purity of the territory.

The ‘ROA’ Roero Arneis by Stefano Occhetti is a 100% Arneis from sustainably grown vines, without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides, on sandy soils located at an altitude between 260 and 310 meters above sea level. After manual harvesting, accompanied by a careful selection of the grapes, the bunches undergo 48 hours of skin maceration at low temperature before of the soft pressing. This is followed by the spontaneous alcoholic fermentation of the must, thanks to the intervention of only indigenous yeasts. Subsequently, the liquid matures for 4-5 months in used French oak tonneaux until the final bottling.

The Roero Arneis ‘ROA’ from the Piedmontese winemaker Stefano Occhetti has an intense straw-yellow color. Inviting aromas of apricot, peach, wild herbs, and citrus zest follow one another on the nose along with hints of hay. A fresh yet substantial tasting experience, flavorful and bright, with excellent taste complexity. Although it is open and expressive even in its youth, the ‘ROA’ shows a decent aging potential.