MALVIRÀ
PIEDMONT / ROERO
In 1950, Giuseppe Damonte embarked on a pioneering endeavour to establish the renowned winery of Malvirà, amidst an era when the untapped potential of the Roero region remained largely undiscovered. Fuelled by a fervent passion for agriculture and viticulture, Giuseppe passed on his zealousness to his two sons, Roberto and Massimo. In 1974, the brothers assumed leadership, and with an unwavering hand, they embarked on a transformative journey to convert the family's bulk wine venture into a premier estate dedicated to the production of exceptional quality wines.
Today, the winery's entire output originates from six meticulously tended vineyards spanning approximately 40 hectares, all of which are cultivated organically.
Almost half of their production is dedicated to this indigenous white grape, and in 1983 they acquired the renowned Renesio cru, where Arneis is said to have first been identified in 1478. Despite its rich history in Piedmont, Arneis was on the brink of extinction in the early 1990s, with fewer than 60 hectares remaining. The Damonte brothers, as true believers in the grape's potential, possess some of the oldest Arneis vines in the region, with averages hovering around 50 years. The soils of Roero, formed from ancient ocean floors, are comprised of high proportions of sand and clay, intermingled with fossilized shells, providing a unique terroir for the grape. When grown in stony calcareous soils, the wines exhibit a steely minerality akin to great Chablis, while in clay soils, the wines are rich and infused with warm tropical fruit notes. A true oenological gem, the wines of Malvirà are a testament to the Damonte brothers' unwavering passion and commitment to quality.
Malvirà is a paragon of viticultural excellence within the hallowed terroirs of Piedmont's Roero appellation, occupying a preeminent position across the Tànaro River from the vaunted hills of Barolo. As one of the elite producers in this esteemed region, Malvirà has earned a reputation for crafting wines of unparalleled refinement and complexity, that stands in testament to the winery's unwavering commitment to quality and artistry.
Owner
Region
Sub-region
Farming
Harvest
Size
Grapes Grown
Website
Vineland Rep.
Roberto and Massimo Damonte
Piedmont
Roero
Organic
Manual
40 hectares
Arneis, Chardonny, Sauvignon Blanc, Nebbiolo, Barbera,
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Malvirà Roero Arneis
Grapes for this Arneis come from four Estate vineyards in Canale, home to the Roero’s best vineyards for this variety. Traditional perfumes of orchard fruit, exotic white flowers, chamomile and tropical nuances pervade this particularly inviting and expressive Roero Arneis.
Appellation: Roero Arneis DOCG
Grape Variety: 100% Arneis
Age of vines: 35-45 years.
Vineyards: Renesio, Trinita, Saglietto, and Bordoni vineyards, Canale.
Vinification: soft pressing, fermentation and maturation on the lees in stainless steel tanks.
Characteristics: Certified organic from harvest 2017.
Notes: Made with organically grown grapes, this has delicate, enticing aromas reminiscent of ripe white stone fruit, crushed mint, pineapple and freshly made bread dough. On the linear, savory palate, notes of bitter almond and ginger accent a core of Bartlett pear and lemon drop before a tangy mineral close. - Kerin O’Keefe
91
2020
WE
Malvirà Roero Arneis 'Renesio'
According to some historical documents coming from the archives of the Counts Roero, owners in the Medieval period, the name of this vineyard is connected to the name of the wine grape variety Arneis. At that time, the vineyard was named “Reneysium”, later “Renexij”, then Italianised in “Ornesio”. It is characterized by a double row of cypresses on the top, which reminds Tuscany, and by an old farmhouse dating back to 1700. Located in the town of Canale, it faces South, North and East. The elevation is between 260 and 320 meters a.s.l., it extends for 6,5 hectares, has calcareous clay soil, and is planted with Arneis and Nebbiolo grapes. In this property we have our oldest Nebbiolo vines.
Appellation: Roero Arneis DOCG
Grape Variety: 100% Arneis
Vineyard: Renesio
Vinification: fermentation and maturation in stainless steel tanks for 7-8 months with repeated bâtonage.
Characteristics: Certified organic from harvest 2017.
Notes: This single-vineyard offering opens with inviting scents recalling hay, white stone fruit and yeasty whiffs of bread dough. The rounded, medium-bodied palate doles out creamy white peach, juicy pineapple and white almond before closing on a candied tangerine note.
91
2017
VINOUS
91
2019
WE
Malvirà Roero Arneis 'Trinità'
This single-vineyard Arneis is a stunning wine, laced with white orchard fruit, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper. The Arneis grapes for this wine come from the bottom portion of the Vigna Trinità, an exceptional south/southwestern-facing hillside vineyard in the Roero. This is an incredibly expressive Arneis with a sort of crystalline purity.
Appellation: Roero Arneis DOCG.
Grape Variety: Arneis
Age of vines: 35-45 years.
Vineyard: S.S. Trinità
Vinification: fermentation and maturation in stainless steel tanks, a part in oak barrels.
Characteristics: Certified organic from harvest 2017.
Notes: The Roero Arneis Vigna Trinità is a gorgeous, finely cut Arneis laced with white orchard fruit, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper, all of which add to the wine's crystalline purity and overall expressiveness. The 2017 has so much to offer. I loved it. - Vinous.
Malvirà Roero Arneis Riserva 'Vigna Saglietto'
This is the oldest vineyard of the Damonte family, enlarged year by year with the purchase of neighbouring vineyards. The production of Arneis grapes of Malvirà began in this vineyard, first vinified in the sweet version and later in the dry white wine version. Crossed by the municipal road of Saglietto, the vineyard covers an area of 6 hectares, at an elevation ranging from 200 to 240 meters above sea level, with Southern, Eastern and Western exposure. The soil, with a medium texture and calcareous, has also two very sandy areas.
Appellation: Roero Arneis DOCG
Grape Variety: Arneis
Vineyard: Vigna Saglietto
Vinification: fermentation and maturation in stainless steel tanks, a part in oak barrels.
Characteristics: In 2018 we produced for the first time the Roero Arneis Riserva Vigna Saglietto. Before being released, the Riserva is aged at least 18 months.
Notes: Subtle aromas of hazelnut, hay and botanical herb follow over to the palate along with orange rind and bitter almond. On the medium-bodied palate, tangy acidity accompanies dried pineapple slice, bread crust and bitter almond flavors. It closes on a salty note.
91
2019
FALSTAFF
Malvirà Langhe Bianco 'Treuve'
The “Tre Uve” (3 Grapes in Italian) is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Arneis. The wine opens with rich aromas and flavors of fruit, hazelnuts and dairy, which develops into orange peel, apricot, candied fruit and honeyed notes, along with a good bit of French oak. With some age, this white takes on a distinctly exotic feel.
Appellation: Langhe Bianco DOC
Grape Variety: 40% Chardonnay 40% Sauvignon Blanc 20% Arneis
Age of vine: 25-35 years
Vineyards: Saglietto, Trinita, Cornarea vineyards
Vinification: Start of fermentation in stainless steel tanks, end of fermentation and maturation in oak barrels.
Aging: Aging in French oak barriques for 10-12 months. And 12 months aging in bottle.
Characteristics: Aging potential in the bottle up to 15-20 years.
Notes: The "three grapes" that give this wine its name are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Arneis, and the results here are pretty fascinating. The Malvirà 2013 Langhe Bianco TreUve opens to a straw color with some off-gold highlights. Tasting this vintage now, seven years after the harvest, reveals honey-like aromas with star jasmine and passion fruit. Its age is elegantly managed, and although tertiary tones define the wine's personality, they are not candied or oxidized. Indeed, the freshness here is intact with subtle tones of vanilla, aniseed and smoky ash. The final flavor takeaway is white licorice and peppercorn, and you taste those things for a long time, even after you have put down your glass. It's all quite intriguing when you take a second or two to analyze this uncommon offering. – The Wine Advocate.
90
2013
WA
Malvirà Roero NEBBIOLO DOCG
Appellation: Roero DOCG
Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Age of vines: 30-40 years
Vineyards: Trinita and Renesio vineyards; Trinita vineyard was acquired by the Damonte family in 1986, it is south to southwest facing and named after the small chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity, Renesio vineyard has southern exposure.
Vinification: fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks.
Aging: Aging for 20 months in French oak barriques - 50% new and 50% second passage. Refinement in the bottle for at least 12 months.
Characteristics: Certified organic from harvest 2017
Notes: Bright ruby red with a light rusty brown rim. A rich bouquet of ripe cherries and slightly dried rose petals with hints of nutmeg. A palate with fresh acidity and tightly woven tannins, rich plum concentration. Balanced and clear with appealing finish.
92
2016
VINOUS
Malvirà Barbera d’Alba
This Cru Barbara d’Alba spends 18-20 months in French oak, adding complexity and structure to a complex aromatic profile of mint, black cherry, spice and cassis.
Appellation: Barbera d’Alba Superiore DOC
Grape Variety: 100% Barbera
Age of vines: 55 years
Vineyard: San Michele vineyard, Canale, southern exposure; 2.5 ha vineyard was created in 1929 and it is located on the hill next to a small church dedicated to San Michele
Vinification: fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks. Maturation in oak barrels and in the bottle
Aging: Aging in second and third passage French oak barriques for 18-20 months. Refinement in the bottle for at least 6 months
Characteristics: Certified organic from harvest 2019.
Notes: Luminous, medium-dense ruby with violet hues. Catchy nose with lots of fresh fruit, dark cherries, blackberries and elderberries, with delicately spicy components in the background. Spreads out on the palate, lots of sweet plum fruit, fine-meshed tannins, dark chocolate in the finish, has character. – Vinous.
91
2018
FALSTAFF
93
2019
FALSTAFF
Malvirà Langhe Rosso San Guglielmo
San Guglielmo, a miniscule 3-hectare (7.4 acres) plot in the heart of the Roero, is the winery’s most historic vineyard and has always been planted to the three traditional red Piedmontese grapes that make up this Rosso blend: Barbera (70%), Nebbiolo (25%) and Bonarda Piemontese (5%).
Appellation: Langhe Rosso DOC
Grape Variety: 70% Barbera, 25% Nebbiolo and 5% Bonarda Piemontese
Age of vines: 40-50 years
Vineyards: San Guglielmo and San Michele
Vinification: Maceration and fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
Aging: Maturation in French oak for 18 - 24 months and refining in the bottle for 12 months.
Characteristics: Historical blend of the winery, tradition handed on from the maternal grandfather.
Notes: The wine is a dense ruby red in color with notes of blackberries, prunes and tobacco on the nose. Powerful, yet smooth and velvety, on the palate with hints of blackberry, vanilla and leather.
Malvirà Roero Riserva 'Mombeltramo'
The Mombeltramo Roero Riserva comes from a single vineyard of the same name, known for producing particularly austere wines that soften over time, representing exceptional aging potential. This wine offers a captivating intertwining of aromas, flavors and textures, ranging from sweet red fruit and dried rose to tobacco, game, menthol and liquorice. Powerful and persistent tannins support a precise structure that suggests a long, intriguing evolution.
Appellation: Roero Riserva DOCG
Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Age of vines: 40 years
Vineyard: Mombeltramo
Vinification: fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks.
Aging: Maturation in French oak for 24 months. Refinement in the bottle for 12 months
Characteristics: Certified organic from harvest 2017.
Notes: Bright, brilliant ruby red with a delicately brightening russet rim. Opens with eucalyptus and mint, a touch of cassis and layered blackberry and raspberry jam. Initially fresh-fruity and clear attractive concentrated palate, shows juicy tannin, tightly woven with plenty of tension, complex and elegant on the finish.
94
2016
VINOUS
93
2017
VINOUS
Malvirà Roero Riserva 'S.S. Trinità'
The Trinità is the most elegant and savory of the three Roero Riservas produced by Malvirà. Perfumes of dried rose, spice, black fruits and mint turn to smoke, iron, tobacco, grilled herbs and strawberry preserves on the palate. Firm, well-balanced tannins lend an indisputable energy and vibrancy to the wine, which will undoubtedly continue to evolve for many years to come.
Appellation: Roero Riserva DOCG
Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Age of vines: 40 years
Vineyard: S.S. Trinità
Vinification: fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks.
Aging: Maturation in French oak for 24 months. Refinement in the bottle for 12 months.
Characteristics: Certified organic from harvest 2017.
Notes: Bright, brilliant ruby red with brightening rust-coloured rim. Rich and profound nose, delicate cake spices, ripe plums, subtle pepper notes. Multilayered palate, tightly woven tannins, grippy and vivid, well integrated concentrated core with a long powerful finish.
92
2015
FALSTAFF
92
2016
WA
Malvirà Roero Riserva ‘Renesio’
This vineyard’s name, Renesio, is thought to be tied to the naming of the local white variety, Arneis. In fact, Malvirà produces both an Arneis and the Roero Riserva from grapes grown on this southeastern-facing hillside in Canale. The wine hits the palate with an explosion of dark cherries and blueberries, mixed with smoke, tobacco, liquorice and even a hint of chocolate. This is a more “masculine” showing of Roero, brooding and earthy with a long life ahead of it. They have here their oldest Nebbiolo vines.
Appellation: Roero Riserva DOCG
Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Age of vines: 40-60 years
Vineyard: Renesio
Vinification: Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks.
Aging: Maturation in French oak barrels for 24 months. Refinement in the bottle for 12 months
Characteristics: Certified organic from harvest 2017.
Notes: Roero Arneis Vigna Renesio presents a distinctly powerful, robust expression of Arneis. Deep and phenolic in feel, the Renesio is a gorgeous wine for the dinner table. There are plenty of varietal orchard fruit and floral notes, but the Renesio is really a wine of density more than anything else. – Vinous.
93
2015
FALSTAFF
91
2017
VINOUS
Malvirà Barolo 'Boiolo'
The Damonte family, synonymous with quality red and white wines in Roero, made its entry as “Barolisti” in 2007, with the acquisition of the Boiolo vineyard in La Morra. Two additional small vineyards were added to the production in 2018 (Boiolo and Serra Denari), all of which will be productive with the 2021 harvest. This singular Barolo from La Morra is a bright ruby red with orange hues, intensely perfumed, with a range of spices, black fruits, mint, drunken cherries, and cocoa. Supple, elegant and persistent with a tightly-woven tannic structure and savory finish, the Boiolo expresses all the intensity typical of the Barolo wines from this area and the equilibrium for which Malvirà is so well known.
Appellation: Barolo DOCG
Grape Variety: 100 % Nebbiolo
Vineyard: Boiolo (east facing ) and Serra Denari (west facing) vineyards in La Morra.
Altitude: 370-460 meters a.s.l.
Vinification: fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks.
Aging: Minimum 18 months in oak (combination of 450L barrels and 2,500L casks) followed by at least a year in bottle before release.
Notes: Elegant, bright ruby red. Very frank on the nose, of ripe cherries and ripe plums, underlined by a hint of walnut, with an aftertaste of dried figs. Expressive on the palate and with ripe fruit, spreads beautifully over the palate, with tightly woven tannins and a rich arch, long finish. – Falstaff.
94
2016
FALSTAFF
91
2017
VINOUS
