Roagna’s Barolo La Pira Vecchie Viti is the estate’s most prestigious Barolo expression from its Castiglione Falletto holdings, produced from the oldest vines in the La Pira vineyard whose Tortonian Helvetian marl and limestone soils on the south-facing Castiglione Falletto slope produce Nebbiolo of exceptional concentration, mineral depth and structural authority. Like all Roagna wines at the Vecchie Viti level, the production is exceptionally small, the ageing in large Slavonian oak botti extended, and the release date deferred for five to six years after harvest to allow the wine’s fundamental character to emerge without the primary fruit astringency that earlier bottling would create. The 2018 Barolo vintage was warm and produced wines of good concentration and aromatic richness from the finest sites, and Roagna’s approach of extended maceration and traditional ageing should produce a wine of considerable depth and intensity from this combination of vintage warmth and site mineral character. In the magnum format, the wine’s extraordinary development potential will be extended by the slower, more complete evolution that the larger vessel provides.

La Pira holds a complementary position within the Roagna Barolo portfolio to the Castiglione Falletto holdings: a wine of more immediate aromatic generosity and slightly rounder tannin structure than the most austere and mineral Castiglione Falletto expressions, but with all the structural depth and ageing ambition that defines the Vecchie Viti series. Luca Roagna’s estate remains one of the most discussed and least available Barolo producers among collectors who follow Piedmont with the closest attention, and any Vecchie Viti magnum from a good vintage is a significant acquisition.

A 2018 Roagna Barolo La Pira Vecchie Viti magnum is among the most compelling large-format Barolo propositions currently available: a wine from one of the most revered traditional Piedmont producers, in the most coveted format, from a vintage of good quality, at a production level so small that secondary market scarcity is virtually guaranteed. For the serious Roagna or Barolo collector, no further argument is required.

Deep ruby with a complex and concentrated nose of dried rose, tar, iron mineral, dark cherry liqueur, leather, dried herbs and the distinctive earthiness of old-vine Castiglione Falletto Nebbiolo on Tortonian marl. Full-bodied with firm, traditionally structured tannins, excellent natural acidity and a very long, mineral, age-worthy finish. Best from 2028 through 2055.

The Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti 2018 is of hauntingbeauty. Sweet dried red cherries, mint, sweet pipe tobacco, white pepper, orange peel, cinnamon, spice cake. This ethereal, light to medium-bodied Barolo is incredibly beguiling and unmistakable. It is a classic Roagna wine and a fabulous achievement in this very difficult year. - Vinous

It offers depth and a complex texture, even if it seems a little restrained today. Taut and energetic, with lively acidity and dense, velvety tannins framing the flavours of cherries, rosehips, wild strawberries and dried herbs. The finish is salty-mineral and chalky. - Wine Spectator