Ca' Rome Romano Marengo
Summary
Ca' Rome is a family-owned 11-hectare estate in Barbaresco, Piedmont, producing traditional Nebbiolo-based wines from prized vineyard sites in both Barbaresco and Barolo, where 30-50 year-old vines grow in distinctive calcium-rich marl and limestone soils. The Marengo family maintains traditional winemaking methods including extended maceration, indigenous yeasts, and aging beyond DOCG requirements in large Slavonian oak botti, with all production managed hands-on to preserve the authentic expression of each vineyard's character.
Heritage & Leadership
Ca' Rome was established in 1980 by Romano Marengo in the heart of Piedmont's Barbaresco territory. The winery began as a fulfillment of Romano's lifelong passion for viticulture, having previously worked for decades in the wine industry before founding his own estate. The Marengo family has deep roots in the region, with Romano passing down his knowledge and dedication to his children who now manage the operation. His son Giuseppe (Pino) Marengo oversees the technical aspects of production, while daughters Paola and Maria handle the commercial and administrative operations respectively. This second generation continues to build upon their father's foundation while maintaining the family's commitment to traditional Piedmontese winemaking.
The winery takes its name from a combination of "Ca'" (house in the local dialect) and Romano's first name, reflecting the deeply personal nature of this family enterprise. Their headquarters and cellar are located in Barbaresco, with vineyard holdings extending into neighboring appellations. Since its founding, Ca' Rome has focused exclusively on producing wines that express the distinctive terroir of the Langhe hills, particularly through Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto varieties.
Vineyards & Wines
Ca' Rome cultivates approximately 11 hectares of vineyards distributed across several key sites in the Barbaresco and Barolo denominations. Their holdings include parcels in the Rabajà and Rio Sordo crus in Barbaresco, and the Cerretta vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba within the Barolo appellation. These vineyards range in elevation from 250 to 400 meters above sea level, with predominantly southern and southwestern exposures that maximize sun exposure for the late-ripening Nebbiolo grape.
The soil composition varies across their vineyard sites, with the Barbaresco vineyards featuring the region's characteristic blue-grey marl soils rich in calcium carbonate, while their Barolo vineyards in Serralunga contain higher proportions of limestone and clay. These soil differences contribute to the distinctive character of their wines from each appellation.
The winery's portfolio centers on traditional Piedmontese varieties. Their flagship wines include Barbaresco "Rabajà," Barbaresco "Rio Sordo," and Barolo "Cerretta." They also produce Barbera d'Alba "Vigna Runch," Dolcetto d'Alba, and a Langhe Nebbiolo. Most of their Nebbiolo vines average 30-40 years in age, with some older parcels exceeding 50 years, contributing to the concentration and complexity in their wines.
Philosophy & Practice
The Marengo family adheres to traditional winemaking methods while incorporating modern technology where it enhances quality without compromising authenticity. In the vineyard, they practice low-yield viticulture with manual harvest, selecting only optimally ripened grapes. Their approach includes green harvesting when necessary and careful canopy management to ensure proper ripening.
In the cellar, Ca' Rome employs temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with maceration periods varying by variety—typically 12-15 days for Dolcetto and Barbera, and extended to 20-30 days for their Nebbiolo wines. Their Barbaresco and Barolo undergo traditional aging in large Slavonian oak casks (botti) ranging from 25 to 30 hectoliters in capacity, with aging periods that exceed the minimum DOCG requirements: 24 months for Barbaresco and 36 months for Barolo.
The family's winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing each vineyard site to express its unique characteristics. They employ only indigenous yeasts for fermentation and avoid fining or filtering their red wines before bottling. This approach reflects their commitment to producing wines that authentically represent the traditions and terroir of Piedmont, focusing on elegance and aging potential rather than immediate accessibility.