Rovero
| Grapes | Barbera, Nebbiolo, Grignolino, Brachetto, Moscato Bianco, Pinot Nero, Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Appellations | Barbera d'Asti DOCG, Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG, Barbera del Monferrato DOC, Grignolino d'Asti DOC, Monferrato DOC, Piemonte DOC |
| Signature labels | Barbera d'Asti Superiore 'Rouvè' and 'Gustin'; Grignolino d'Asti 'Casalina'; Monferrato Rosso 'Schiavino' and 'Nebbiaia'; Grappa Cascine Valdonata; Barolo Chinato |
| Village | Asti |
|---|---|
| Tastings | Available |
| Languages | Italian, English, French |
Rovero is a family winery and grappa distillery in the Valdonata valley at San Marzanotto, south of Asti. The family's story here goes back to the late 1800s, and the small chapel on the farm dates from 1880. Today it is run by the brothers Franco, the master distiller, and Claudio and Michelino, who look after the vines, with Michelino's son Enrico as oenologist. Every wine is made from organic grapes certified by ICEA. The range is wide. The two Barbera d'Asti Superiore are 'Rouvè' and 'Gustin', and there is also a Grignolino d'Asti, 'Casalina', two Monferrato Rosso, 'Schiavino' and 'Nebbiaia', a Pinot Nero, two Sauvignons, a Brachetto and a sweet Moscato spumante.
The grappa is the other half of the business. The family distils it in small batches in a bain-marie still, and also makes brandy, vermouth and a Barolo Chinato. Visits take in the cellar, the distillery and the beehives, then a tasting of wines and grappas with local food. Options run from a standing tasting of three wines and a grappa to a full meal with five wines. Booking goes through Il Milin, the family's agriturismo on the farm, which also has rooms, apartments and a restaurant. Reviewers mostly remember the family's welcome and the meals.