Matteo Correggia
In 1985 Matteo Correggia inherited his father’s land in the Roero, the emerging appellation due west and across the Tanaro river from Barolo and Barbaresco. Like those famous appellations, Nebbiolo reigns in the Roero, due in no small part to Matteo’s dedication to making world class wine from the Nebbiolo and Barbera grapes. Matteo literally wrote the book on Roero, replacing vegetables with vines and proving without a doubt that important wines can be made in this sandy soiled appellation, long overshadowed by the powerhouse names across the river. Writing the DOC laws himself, he crafted the finest wines from Nebbiolo and Barbera the region had seen, with their own identity and finesse. The Roero has a long history ahead of it, and like its younger soils, the wines from Roero are more youthful and flashy than those from the older soils in the Langhe. Matteo’s contribution sadly ended with his tragic death in 2001, but his legacy lives on in the wines he made (literally, as some exceptional vintages were made by Matteo, including the 1996 Barbera “Marun” that we enjoyed in June 2013 while visiting the Correggia estate), and the traditions he developed.
Terroir...
Before the Roero became the historic wine-growing region it is today, it spent many years as part of an ancient sea. It is no surprise that as the water retreated and eroded the land over many years, steep slopes and gentle hills were carved into the area. The soil is rich in sand, clay, and limestone with traces of seashell fossils and marine sediment still present. Conditions are perfect for delicate grape varieties such as Nebbiolo and Barbera. It is a paradise to walk around and explore all the many micro-climates this site has to offer!
Vineyards...
Age of the vines planted at Matteo Correggia span from 20 - 80 years old. All the work in the vineyard is done completely organic. The winemakers here see this natural process as a way to maintain and preserve the land. Not only do these environmentally sustainable practices ensure a healthier finished wine for our clients, it shows a respect for the animals and ecosystem. In this way, these cherished vineyards can be passed down for generations unharmed. Harvest is done manually, and much time is spent in the vineyards as harvest draws near. The Correggia family truly feels a connection to these vineyards and understands that spending time on-site tasting grapes and studying the vines opens a direct line of communication to the terroir and enhances the finished product!
In The Cantina...
The work that goes on inside the winery mirrors the same philosophy that is in the vineyards. Temperatures and time of maceration are all decided upon to individually reflect a wine being made from a specific vineyard. This also goes for age-time and wood-type. Each move in the winery is calculated only to help express the great terroir of the Roero.
After Luca's honeymoon to Australia in 2008, the winery began experimenting with Screw Cap Closures on their wine bottles. Luca found this new style of closure very different from traditional Italian methods, but also very effective. Not only was this a way to prevent cork taint or too much sulfur but these new caps also preserved freshness and longevity. In 2012, the DOCG laws in Roero were changed to allow for these caps on the wines and is today used on 50% of Matteo Correggia's total production.
Via Santo Stefano Roero, 124
12043 Canale d'Alba (CN)