Roagna

Brilliant dark ruby red colour. Creamy bouquet with delicate hints of dark chocolate and black cherry. Consistent flavour with a delicate, typical bitter note, again black fruit and a wonderfully fresh tangle of acidity and tannin. A perfect and inexpensive introduction to the great wines of Roagna! SUPERIORE.DE

Piedmontese rarity. Rich straw yellow colour with green reflections. Approx. 10% white Nebbiolo gives this Chardonnay the ultimate kick to create an exceptional wine. Herbal spice, finely integrated wood and delicate smoky notes enveloped by a citrus flavour and paired with well-balanced acidity round off this powerful yet highly elegant experience. Great Storage potential - this wine gets better every year and is one of our absolute favourites in the entry-level Roagna range! SUPERIORE.DE

Solea is a white wine that is not only unique in Piedmont. Chardonnay and Nebbiolo (vinified white) - from the hand of Luca Roagna, this is an elegant and independent answer to the great white wines of Burgundy. Herbal bouquet with a smoky note, paired with fine citrus, pear and apple notes. Before you forget to take your nose out of the glass, indulge in the palate-filling aromas: Yellow fruits, plus a delicate nutty almond note and delicate creamy tones of the truly refined use of wood make this great white dance on the palate, swinging and carrying it into a terrificfinish. Impatient people enjoy immediately, wise connoisseurs put a few bottles in a safe place for a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Solea is Roagna's unique blend of Chardonnay and Nebbiolo vinified off the skins, as a white wine. Sweet floral notes give the bouquet lovely breadth. Soft and caressing, the Solea is super-expressive today. It's an intriguing Piedmontese dry white with pretty aromatics, lovely orchard fruit character and fine balance, with a distinct kick of Nebbiolo structure that frames the finish. I know of no other wine like it. I would prefer to drink this over the next few years. It strikes me as best suited to starters and lighter fare. " Vinous

Solea is a white wine that is not only unique in Piedmont. Chardonnay and Nebbiolo (vinified white) - from the hand of Luca Roagna, this is an elegant and independent answer to the great white wines of Burgundy. Herbal bouquet with a smoky note, paired with fine citrus, pear and apple notes. Before you forget to take your nose out of the glass, indulge in the palate-filling aromas: Yellow fruits, plus a delicate nutty almond note and delicate creamy tones of the truly refined use of wood make this great white dance on the palate, swinging and carrying it into a terrificfinish. Impatient people enjoy immediately, wise connoisseurs put a few bottles in a safe place for a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Solea is an unusual blend of Nebbiolo and Chardonnay. Ripe pear, apple, spice, mint, marzipan, flowers and chamomile all caress the palate as this exquisite white shows off its engaging personality. The silky finish is wonderfully inviting." Vinous

If you stumble across a vineyard qua fate, then you might as well move on. Luca Roagna, however, did what he had to do. He inherited this old vineyard, which was completely planted with Timorasso, and since it immediately became clear to him to do something useful with it, and he did not know anything about this historic grape variety, he asked Walter Massa, who has been dedicated to this rare variety for decades, without further ado. And so, after a few years, he succeeded in making a wine from it that can more than compete with those of his teacher!

Radiant, clear stagnant yellow. In the nose quince, citrus and a potpourri of yellow fruits. On the palate, this saltiness is paired with a well-dosed wood spice. The long maceration time gives this great white wine power and endurance. Fine astringency is paired with a pressure that gives this wine - paired with well-dosed acidity and always very present fruit - the uniqueness that makes it at least equal to the great whites of the Loire or Burgundy, even in direct comparison. And yet it bears the individual Roagna signature: a style that cannot be found in France or in other Piedmont vineyards. And that really means something, since the white wines of this noble Italian region are getting better from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino 2020 is a very beautiful and expressive white wine. Spicy and mineral accents are in the foreground. Taut and nervous, with great energy, the 2020 is a fine example of what Timorasso can be. Dried lemon peel, almond, mint, graphite, chamomile and spice take shape with a little coaxing. harvestunfamiliar with Timorasso should expect a phenolic, dry white wine with a lot of aromatic and flavour complexity, but not much fruit. This is a wine for the dinner table." Vinous

"The Roagna 2020 Derthona Montemarzino is an interesting and unusual wine. There is an almost herbal preface with minty apple and lemon thyme that cedes to softer white peach and quince. Timorasso gains in complexity as it ages, picking up elegant petroleum-like nuances and dusty mineral sensations with time. The 2020 vintage was warm, so it goes to stand that the wine is all about primary fruit now. But it should be worthwhile to come back and visit this bottle in five or 10 years' time." Wine Advocate

If you stumble across a vineyard qua fate, then you might as well move on. Luca Roagna, however, did what he had to do. He inherited this old vineyard, which was completely planted with Timorasso, and since it immediately became clear to him to do something useful with it, and he did not know anything about this historic grape variety, he asked Walter Massa, who has been dedicated to this rare variety for decades, without further ado. And so, after a few years, he succeeded in making a wine from it that can more than compete with those of his teacher!

Radiant, clear stagnant yellow. In the nose quince, citrus and a potpourri of yellow fruits. On the palate, this saltiness is paired with a well-dosed wood spice. The long maceration time gives this great white wine power and endurance. Fine astringency is paired with a pressure that gives this wine - paired with well-dosed acidity and always very present fruit - the uniqueness that makes it at least equal to the great whites of the Loire or Burgundy, even in direct comparison. And yet it bears the individual Roagna signature: a style that cannot be found in France or in other Piedmont vineyards. And that really means something, since the white wines of this noble Italian region are getting better from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino is ethereal and light on its feet. More importantly, Luca Roagna coaxes a level of textural finesse that is not common with Timorasso, all while retaining the grape's phenolic feel. Mint, dried lemon peel, almond, sage, lime and yellow flavors all develop in this savory, vibrant dry white." Vinous

"Bright ruby red with bright orange reflections. In the nose wild mushrooms, black and even some white truffle, plus rosehip tea, red currant and blackberry. Freshly ground pepper and crushed juniper provide spice and plenty of ethereal aromas. Clear, bright and precise on the palate. The fruit comes out much more clearly now. Totally juicy and fortunately flanked again and again by the acid structure. Invigorating, animating to drink and slender. The fruit now appears small-berried and positively acidic on the palate. The initially earthy aromas only have a subordinate effect in the finish. The show clearly belongs to sour cherry, lovage and blackberry. Iodiney, almost salty and with a fleshy character, it makes you want more. This is pure umami." Marian Henß (Sommelier)

"The 2017 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is silky and polished from the start. Nevertheless, there is a lot of depth behind the elegant façade. Juicy red fruits, spices, tobacco, cedar, leather and dried flowers combine in a sensual, lush Barolo that captures the essence of Rocche." Vinous

"A juicy red wine with aromas and flavours of soaked cherries, raspberries and plums. It gains depth with accents of flowers, earth and wild herbs as it transitions into a long, delicious finish. Skilfully balanced and persistent on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Roagna has its modern winery, with most of the structure underground, at the foot of the Castiglione Falletto village at the center of the appellation. Made with fruit grown around the corner, the 2017 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione (with 2,680 bottles released) offers a sharp and linear presentation with crisp berry fruit, crushed stone, rose and licorice root. This is one of the most expressive vineyard sites in the appellation, I find. The wine ferments in oak over two months with submerged cap and then ages for five long years in a combination of oak cask and cement." Wine Advocate

Roagna's Barbaresco Pajè already has a great need to communicate in its youth and shows itself open-minded and with multi-layered aromas, full-bodied and in harmonious balance. An extraordinary pleasure for the next 20 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Pajè discharges in unerring salvos of raspberries and sour cherries as well as laurels and walnut shells, its shimmering ethereal top note reminiscent of asphalted roads on the high summer horizon. Mild spices like cloves, black pepper and dried cherries are a recurring thematic theme like the theme tune of a monumental soundtrack. Mercilessly dry on the palate with beguiling extract sweetness. Grown on vines over 80 years old, the fruit and spice notes of the nose are accurately reflected on the palate and are firmly coated like Kevlar by ripe, tightly woven tannins. Complex and multi-layered, it flows across the palate with a silky feel, almost floating, and its fruity, ethereal finish seems almost weightless with an extra-long finish. Large glasses and time are the weapons of choice." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2017 Barbaresco Pajè offers a compelling blend of sweet red fruits, cinnamon, blood orange, leather, cedar and tobacco. The 2017 impresses with its medium weight structure, which unfolds well with a little time in the glass and shows its natural breadth and creaminess. There's a good amount of immediacy and overall appeal here too." Vinous

"A tightly wound, sleek red marked by floral, cherry, menthol and mineral aromas and flavors. Reveals ripeness midpalate and builds to a lingering, detailed finish. Shows plenty of energy and complexity." Wine Spectator

"Showing a transparent or almost naked fruit quality, the 2017 Roagna Barbaresco Pajè is a beautiful and graceful wine that retains an exceptional sense of lightness and elegance despite everything we have heard about this hot and dry vintage. The finish of the Pajè is exceptional, with chiselled aromas of wild berries, iris root, liquorice and a subtle hint of white pepper. The mouthfeel is characterised by extremely fine tannins." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red. Barolo Pira oscillates between fresh fruit and mild spices. Grown on 25-60 year old vines, the flawless cherry fruit is illuminated by ethereal top notes, toasted almonds and juniper berries alternate with rosemary, sour cherries and sloes. The nose continually defoliates as it aerates, shifting like a kaleidoscope. On the palate, the ripe tannins take over and lay the velvety foundation on which the fruit blows on parade to flow straightforwardly and transparently over the drinker's palate with oriental-like spice. Notes of sandalwood, juniper and incense are underpinned by fine cherry notes, the precisely crafted acidic nerve is perfectly enveloped by the tightly woven tannin, giving it freshness and drinkability. A wine of uncomplicated distinction with superb length. Please get the big glasses out of the cupboard. Timely caraffing is strongly recommended." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein–Journalist)

"The 2017 Barolo Pira is a powerful, intensely savory wine. Dark cherry, herbs, leather incense and licorice all add to an impression. The Pira Barolo is one of the most reticent wines in this entire collection. It is hard to read today, despite its obvious weight and character." Vinous

"Dense and muscular, with cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and eucalyptus flavors in the grip of assertive tannins. Despite being lithe and light–bodied, this red finds equilibrium in the end, with the red fruit lingering on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Ruby red with bright reflections. The nose delights with a bouquet of floral notes: Mauve, hibiscus and hollyhocks are surrounded by fruity cherries and preserved raspberries and spicy aromas of black pepper, cedar and juniper berries. The red fruit is underpinned by dark aromatics and vegetal notes of redcurrant and blackberry leaves. Initially subtle on the palate until it brings out the iron fist in a velvet glove. The gentle attack calmly builds up immense pressure with great inner tension on the mid palate. The extract-sweet fruit of cherries and a fine core of sloes mingle with marzipan and noble bitter notes of the ripe tannins, which give it additional length. The exemplary use of wood sets the scene for exactly what characterises a Barbaresco: Concentration with simultaneous lightness and transparency." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2017 Barbaresco Faset is open, graceful and quite pretty. Sweet dried cherry, incense, tobacco, mint and dried flowers are all nicely lifted in this attractive, medium-bodied Barbaresco. Notes of cedar, tobacco, incense and dried flowers give this wine aromatic presence and lift. The Faset is another wine in this series that will drink well with minimal cellaring." Vinous

"This red shows a supple texture and macerated cherry and strawberry fruit, which initially add up to a lot of pleasure. Yet there is a solid base of tannins too, a promise of this wine's future potential. Comes together on the fresh finish, where an echo of red fruit and emerging mineral elements linger." Wine Spectator

Albesani leaves nothing to be desired, in expression and character it is simply grandiose. The fresh bouquet of flowers, chalk, tobacco and cherries continues on the palate, where a beguilingly silky tannin and aromatic intensity virtually rob the senses. A masterpiece from Luca Roagna! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barbaresco Albesani is delicate and ethereal. Crushed flowers, sweet dried cherry, cinnamon and orange zest give this deceptively light-bodied Barbaresco a good deal of both nuance and complexity. All the elements are so nicely balanced. All things considered, the 2017 is an understated wine from this Neive site." Vinous

"This red features excellent balance and complexity, with a supple and delicate texture despite a solid matrix of tannins underneath. Reveals macerated cherry, plum and floral notes accented by licorice and mineral on the long, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

Gallina comes from a steep, sandy vineyard, similar to the Asili site, but with less lime content, which gives it more roundness and fullness. Full bouquet of sweet tobacco, cedar, liquorice and dried herbs. A soft, sweet, red fruit combines in an exciting way with the typical Roagna austerity on the palate to an impressive complexity and length. It will only reveal its true elegance to us in a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barbaresco Gallina is bright, translucent and bursting with energy. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, spice, anise, mint and chalk run through this nervy, mid-weight Barbaresco. In 2017, Gallina tends more towards the taut end of the spectrum. Sweet cherry water and floral notes give it an exotic edge on the finish." Vinous

"Both rich and fruity, boasting cherry, strawberry, rose, iron and eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Shows terrific balance and a juiciness that extends the fruit and savory finish." Wine Spectator

"Ruby red with bright reflections. The nose delights with a bouquet of floral notes: Mallow, hibiscus and hollyhocks are surrounded by fruity cherries and preserved raspberries and complemented by spicy aromas of black pepper, cedar and juniper berries. The red fruit is accompanied by dark aromas and vegetal notes of blackcurrant and blackberry leaves. The attack is initially subtle until the iron fist is brought out in a velvet glove. The gentle attack calmly builds up immense pressure with great inner tension on the mid-palate. The extract-sweet fruit of cherries and a fine core of sloes mingle with marzipan and noble bitter notes of the ripe tannins, which give it additional length. The exemplary use of wood highlights exactly what characterises a Barbaresco: Concentration combined with lightness and transparency." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2018 Barbaresco Faset is bright, exuberant and charming, in other words, everything a Faset should be. Sweet, dried cherries, mint, spice, tobacco and cedar are all beautifully brought out. The Faset is a very nice, understated Barbaresco. It is a pleasure to taste it today." Vinous

"Aromas of rose, cherry and red licorice lead off, picking up flavors of wild herbs, anise and iron as this red builds to the lingering finish. Balanced and solidly structured, this extends with both fruit and savory elements, showing prodigious length and intensity." Wine Spectator

Roagna's Barbaresco Pajè already has a great need to communicate in its youth and shows itself to be open-minded and with multi-layered flavours, full-bodied and harmoniously balanced. An extraordinary pleasure for the next 20 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red in colour. Pajè unleashes itself in unerring volleys of raspberries and sour cherries as well as laurels and walnut shells, its shimmering, ethereal top note reminiscent of tarmac roads on the midsummer horizon. Mild spices such as cloves, black pepper and dried cherries are a recurring theme, like the title melody of a monumental soundtrack. Mercilessly dry on the palate with a beguiling extract sweetness. Grown on vines over 80 years old, the fruit and spice notes on the nose are accurately reflected on the palate and are encased in ripe, tightly woven tannins like Kevlar. Complex and multi-layered, it flows over the palate with a silky feel, almost floating, and its fruity, ethereal finish is almost weightless with an extra-long aftertaste. Large glasses and time are the weapons of choice." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. Finely characterised nose with notes of dried rose petals, strawberry and wild raspberry, some plum. Fills the palate full, finely sweet fruit with great melting, opens with present, savoury tannin, full-bodied and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The Barbaresco Pajè 2018 is a brooding, introverted wine. Mineral and spicy notes dominate, while the fruit remains in the background. The Pajè has developed wonderfully since my first tasting a few months ago. The flavours in particular are very expressive. Like all the 2018s here, the Pajè is a Barbaresco of unobtrusive complexity. It will be interesting to see whether the lively tannins give way a little." Vinous

"Fresh, lively and straightforward in profile, even racy, this red wine shows flavours of strawberries, cherries, hibiscus, iron and cut hay, with a lively structure, fine harmony and a long, fruity and mineral finish." Wine Spectator

Barolo Pira is a great, complex wine that has enormous depth and many nuances that open up further with time. It is light-footed yet wonderfully profound and has so much to offer. Cherry, sweet red cherry, spice, orange peel, menthol and spice fill out the layers effortlessly. Young Barolo tannins are present, but the fruit is rich enough to keep things in balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Barolo Pira oscillates between fresh fruit and mild spices. Grown on 25-60 year old vines, the flawless cherry fruit is illuminated by ethereal top notes, roasted almonds and juniper berries alternate with rosemary, sour cherries and sloes. The nose continues to unfurl with increasing aeration and changes like a kaleidoscope. On the palate, the ripe tannins take over and lay the velvety foundation on which the fruit parades, flowing straight and transparently across the palate with oriental flavours. Notes of sandalwood, juniper and incense are underpinned by fine cherry notes, the precisely crafted acid nerve is perfectly encased by the tightly meshed tannin and lends it freshness and drinkability. A wine of uncomplicated distinction with superb length. Please get the large glasses out of the cupboard. Timely decanting is highly recommended." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The Barolo Pira 2018 is bright, concentrated and linear. A little light and nervous, like the wines in this vintage, but also expressive. Tobacco, cedar, mint, dried flowers and camomile adorn this taut, nervous Barolo Pira. This is a particularly ethereal Barolo. It is very beautiful and has a lot of power." Vinous

"There's viscosity to this red, despite its nimble profile, along with detail, harmony and length, showing precise flavors of rose petal, cherry, currant, licorice, sandalwood and graphite focused by vivid acidity, while refined tannins lurk underneath." Wine Spectator

Gallina comes from a steep, sandy vineyard, similar to the Asili site, but with less limestone, which gives it more roundness and fullness. Full bouquet of sweet tobacco, cedar wood, liquorice and dried herbs. A soft, sweet, red fruit combines with the typical Roagna austerity in an exciting way on the palate to create an impressive complexity and length. It will only reveal its true elegance in a few years' time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbaresco Gallina 2018 is a very nice wine in this range. Tobacco, kirsch, mint, orange peel, red fruit, spice cake and mint give it an exotic flair. Time in the glass brings out the wine's inner perfume and sweetness. This is a beautiful and inviting wine that expresses the ethereal side of the year well." Vinous

"Balsamic elements of eucalyptus, juniper and rosemary mingle with cherry and raspberry in this intense red, which is tightly wound and dense, with assertive, dusty tannins and a long, iron-infused finish." Wine Spectator

With a few hours in the air, Albesani begins to reveal the inner sweetness and fragrance so typical of wines from this Neive vineyard. Sweet dried cherries, rose petals, kirsch, cinnamon, orange peel and sweet tobacco open up with a little coaxing. Albesani clearly has a lot to offer for those who can wait for the initially prominent tannins to soften. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Barbaresco Albesani is another great wine from Roagna. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, tobacco, orange peel, spice and crushed rocks open up beautifully with a little coaxing. Deep and powerful, but also wonderfully restrained, the Albesani has a lot to offer. It is also one of the few wines from this vintage that certainly needs time." Vinous

"Round and opulent, this red features cherry, raspberry, rose, menthol, tobacco and mineral flavors. Dense and firmly structured, with superb balance and terrific length. Combines power and finesse." Wine Spectator

"Transparent ruby red. Vines over 80 years old provide the material for this exceptional Barbaresco with a cathedral-like appearance on the nose: the ethereal balsamic superstructure with notes of sandalwood and incense, juniper and rosemary is complemented by fruity litanies of cherries, raspberry jam and blood oranges and adorned by floral overtones of violets, mallow and hollyhocks along with a pinch of white pepper. On the palate, it is precisely parted, of noble understatement and charming nature. The fine, long acidity gives it aristocratic polish, the ripe and tightly woven tannins coat it in the noblest thread. Delicate and transparent, the delicate fruit illuminates the entire palate. Conversations fall silent, glasses clink, laughter. Its approachable manner seems jovial, yet it is demanding with decisive insistence and epochal reverberation. Everyone is happy to obey." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2017 Barbaresco Pajè Vecchie Viti is fascinating when tasted alongside the pure Pajè. The old-vine bottling shows more depth and power, along with a distinctly spicy note that is very seductive. Sweet dried cherries, spices, crushed flowers, mint and incense give the 2017 a remarkable depth. The tannins are a little unyielding today, so a couple of years of cellaring seems warranted at the very least." Vinous

"A silky, elegant red wine with aromas of flowers, strawberries and cherries and a hint of liquorice. Structured, with a slight bite on the finish. It offers good balance and expression with a long, detailed aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Barbaresco Pajè Vecchie Viti comes from the more prized old vines, all over 50 years old. Indeed, this expression reveals a greater sense of depth and detail with wild cherry, dark rose and orange peel. The bouquet is nuanced and refined, and the tannins melt away on a long finish. Roagna shines even in difficult vintages, and this bottle is a prime example." Wine Advocate

"Bright, medium dense garnet red. Intense and inviting nose with notes of plums, ripe cherries, saffron and some ginger. Firm and sturdy on the palate, showing plenty of grippy tannin, pithy, after ripe plums, some earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

Radiant ruby red with purple reflections. In the nose first cherry, then herbal spice, mint and essential oils. Noble woods like cedar and sandalwood mingle with traces of pipe tobacco, smoky tones and damp, autumnal forest floor. On the palate, cherry again, an opulent potpourri of wilted leaves, damp soil, truffles, plus a fine note of old leather. An incredibly complex wine from a famous single vineyard that will give pleasure for many decades to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti is absolutely beguiling. Of the 2017 vintage Barbarescos, the Montefico is the wine that most resembles it. The combination of the Montefico's austerity and textural breadth makes for an absolutely compelling Barbaresco on so many levels. Sweet red fruits, spice, chalk, mint and blood orange are just a few of the many aromas and flavours that develop into an intense, palate-pleasing finish. Outstanding." Vinous

"Bright, lightening ruby-garnet. Emphatically fragrant nose with lots of fresh fruit, of sour cherry, strawberry and rose petals. Fine-meshed, amazingly polished tannin, carries very long, after fresh plums and raspberries, nice drinking flow." Falstaff

"The 2017 Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti (of which only 1,214 bottles were made) is extremely fine, direct and straightforward with an old-school Nebbiolo intensity that is hard to find in today's modern Barbarescos. The wine has a silky and fragile character with dried cherries, iris roots and iodine. Roagna's house style is characterised by very fine tannins, which can also be found in this vintage. Montefico comes from vines that grow on distinctive blue-grey marl soils." Wine Advocate

"Transparent ruby red. The nose is reminiscent of a morning stroll in an oriental bazaar. The ethereal opening combines noble woods such as cedar and sandalwood until one enters the spice zone and juniper mixes with black pepper and cardamom as well as dark tobacco. The fruit vendors cheerfully offer cherries, raspberry jelly and preserved hibiscus blossoms, the florists have small violets on display. One of the market criers refreshes his bicycle chain with a quench of graphite and chews on a piece of liquorice with a smile. The ripe, leafy tannins of the Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti are tightly interwoven with extract-sweet fruit notes and the all-defining acid arc.

No component stands alone, but always functions in conglomeration with the other players. The wine is a strongly structural experience, powerful with a slender stature, comparable to Bruce Lee. Extract, tannin and vertical acidity show up punchy on the palate with a multi-layered, epic final. Big glasses and big cuisine are strongly advised here." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2017 Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti amazes from the first sip. It offers a wild, heady bouquet combined with remarkable depth, with firm but polished tannins holding everything together. Sweet red fruits, blood orange, rose petals, cinnamon, dried herbs and star anise unfold as this rich yet classically austere Barolo shows what it's made of. It's a super-classic Roagna wine." Vinous

"The Roagna 2017 Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti also comes from the Castiglione Falletto vineyard, which is located directly below Rocche di Castiglione. The vines were planted in 1937 on this south-east facing slope. This wine shows a similar character with a strong sense of focus and linearity running through from the beginning to the end of the wine. Light mineral tones frame a core of fragrant fruit with crushed rose and limestone. This is a production of only 2,730 bottles." Wine Advocate

"Radiant, medium-dense ruby with garnet glints. Opens with notes of tobacco and liquorice, some truffle, then subtle raspberry notes. Gripping, tightly meshed tannin on the palate, builds up in many layers, then goes wonderfully into the depth, lots of ripe fruit but also discreet spices, long finish." Falstaff

Barolo Pira is a great, complex wine that has enormous depth and many nuances that open up further with time. It is light-footed yet wonderfully profound and has so much to offer. Cherry, sweet red cherry, spice, orange peel, menthol and spice fill out the layers effortlessly. Young Barolo tannins are present, but the fruit is rich enough to keep things in balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Barolo Pira oscillates between fresh fruit and mild spices. Grown on 25-60 year old vines, the flawless cherry fruit is illuminated by ethereal top notes, roasted almonds and juniper berries alternate with rosemary, sour cherries and sloes. The nose continues to unfurl with increasing aeration and changes like a kaleidoscope. On the palate, the ripe tannins take over and lay the velvety foundation on which the fruit parades, flowing straight and transparently across the palate with oriental flavours. Notes of sandalwood, juniper and incense are underpinned by fine cherry notes, the precisely crafted acid nerve is perfectly encased by the tightly woven tannin, lending it freshness and drinkability. A wine of uncomplicated distinction with superb length. Please get the large glasses out of the cupboard. Timely decanting is highly recommended." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The Barolo Pira 2018 is bright, concentrated and linear. A little light and nervous, like the wines in this vintage, but also expressive. Tobacco, cedar, mint, dried flowers and camomile adorn this taut, nervous Barolo Pira. This is a particularly ethereal Barolo. It is very beautiful and has a lot of power." Vinous

"There's viscosity to this red, despite its nimble profile, along with detail, harmony and length, showing precise flavors of rose petal, cherry, currant, licorice, sandalwood and graphite focused by vivid acidity, while refined tannins lurk underneath." Wine Spectator