Roagna - Barbaresco Pajè 2019

The fine estate of Roagna has long roots in the commune of Barbaresco, having been started very early in the twentieth century by Vincenzo Roagna. Vincenzo passed on the reigns to his son Giovanni Roagna, who in his turn saw his son Alfredo succeed him as the head of the estate. Today the property is run by Luca Roagna, the fifth generation of the family. Luca was born in 1980 and succeeded in winemaking for the property soon after he graduated from oenological school in 2001. The style of the estate’s wines has been carefully passed down through all five generations of the Roagna family, with the wines made in a very traditional and classic style. These are deep, complex, and structured wines that are built to age and handsomely reward cellaring.

The vinification techniques at Roagna are still traditional though Luca has made noteworthy improvements and changes to the process. The fermentations are in cask and the macerations have gone from around thirty days to, on average, 60-90 days. The aging regimen depends a bit on the cru and vintage but goes from 2-3 years to sometimes 8-10 and as much as 15-16 years for the Riserva. Luca has also switched all of their oak to the highest quality French oak 10cm thick – twice the thickness of a standard cask. These casks allow for a very slow micro-oxygenation which adds to the elegance of the finished wines.

In addition to their fine Barbaresco and Barolo bottlings, the property also makes a Langhe Rosso cuvée from “younger Nebbiolo vines” which in Luca’s case are under 25 years – hardly young by other producers’ standards. All of the estate’s wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Like many traditional Barolo or Barbaresco producers, the wines of Roagna improve immeasurably if decanted for a significant period of time prior to drinking, even when the wines have spent several years in the cellar. The estate has a long and successful history, but Luca has certainly taken the estate to the highest echelon of the region.

"Great red fruit aromas come to the forefront along with Alpine hay and baking spice on the captivating 2019 Pajè from Roagna. Mirroring the nose, the elegant, structured palate delivers pristine fruit sensations of juicy red cherry, wild strawberry, star anise and citrus before a bright, salty finish. A backbone of refined tannins and bright acidity provide support. Drink 2029–2039.” - 97 Points, Kerin O’Keefe

"The 2019 Barbaresco Pajè is a step up from the first Barbarescos in this range. Its depth is apparent even from the color. Deeply pitched spice notes meld into a core of dark-toned fruit. Leather, incense, licorice and scorched earth follow, adding layers of dimension. This fabulous edition of the Pajè is notable for its textural resonance and overall presence.” - 96 Points, Vinous

"Ripe with cherry, raspberry, alpine herb, mineral and anise flavors, this red is both fluid and solidly built. The tannins are fine-grained, while the vivid acidity drives its long, complex aftertaste. Offers terrific persistence and expression. Best from 2027 through 2043. 491 cases made.” - 96 Points, Wine Spectator

Producer: Roagna

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Nebbiolo

Appellation: Barbaresco

Vintage: 2019

Size: 750ml