From our Importer: In 2010, Luca Faccenda and his wife Carolina Roggero reclaimed old family Arneis and Nebbiolo vines situated in the Roero commune, Canale. Valfaccenda means “Valley of Faccenda” and is a nod to how long Luca’s family has inhabited the area. Even with such a long local history, there was a 20+ year gap in winemaking between Luca and his Father. This gap meant that Luca was free to pursue his expressions without pressure or influence from family, which is often a factor between generations.

Farming has been organic since 2010, with a conversion to biodynamic farming in 2021. Luca speaks of conservative winemaking - nothing is forced in the cellar and nothing is added or taken away from the wine except for sulfite additions. Of course, fermentations are with native yeast.

The key to understanding the reputation and influence that Valfaccenda has wielded in recent years comes from first understanding market expectations of Roero wine. Regarding Arneis, it is thought of as a simple cash flow tool for 95% of wines on the market. Cultured yeast, cold fermentation, and other cellar techniques yield easy, internationally styled wines.

Valfaccenda has led a very small, yet increasingly influential segment of Roero to pursue expressions that are much more serious and that reflect the land and the intrinsic qualities of Arneis (formerly called White Nebbiolo for a reason). Luca describes Arneis as a textural variety that creates tension from tannin, salinity, and a touch of bitterness, as opposed to high acidity found in expressions more reflective of cellar work than the land.

While Nebbiolo has always been prized from Roero, with winemaking heritage back to Etruscan times, it is also true that most expressions emulate the more powerful, dark expressions found in Barolo and The Langhe. Think concentration and barrique. Luca rejects this mentality and speaks of how Roero Nebbiolo is something more lifted, red fruited and floral. Tannic structure still provides ample grip, but the overall package is of elegance over power. In short, Luca champions Nebbiolo that stands independent from neighboring expressions.

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