Italy

The vineyard in Barbaresco that arguably made Roagna’s name. Pajé is a small strip of land facing South West, with an average age of the vines for this wine of 40 years old. So finessed and fragrant, the palate is very pure and silky. There’s such energy here. This is stunning. So much tension but balanced with generosity to the fruit.

From one of the most famous sites in Neive, this shows the classic character of the commune. Very delicate and fragrant, there’s so much rose petal character, and a lovely salinity on the finish. This is a very pretty Barbaresco.

The largest parcel owned by the Roagna family, in front of the winery in Castiglione Faletto, the vines for this wine are between 25 and 50 years old. In 2015 this is incredibly floral and delicate on the nose. Lovely notes of orange blossom and thyme. Very fragrant, there’s a long and chalky finish.

A tiny production white, made from 30+ year old Chardonnay from the Pira Vineyard, alongside a little white Nebbiolo. Lovely grip here, with notes of peaches, wild flowers and a hint of butter on the finish. A beautiful Italian white.

Made from Timorasso, that comes from Derthona, to the north-east of the Langhe, this is a stunning white from Luca, that balances ripe fruit and loads of minerality. It’s a truly complex, ageworthy white from a talented winemaker.

Made in a traditional way, from old vines that are up to 40 years old, this is a truly brilliant expression of Dolcetto. Bright berry fruit, liquorice, and pot pourri all swirl from the glass, and there’s a detailed, energetic finish, too. Drink this. Brilliant.

Fewer than 100 cases of this brilliant Barolo were made; this is tiny production. This is so silky and finessed, with pure and ripe orange peel, showing the Tortonian soil character. Quite ripe berries give a richer core of fruit. The tannic grip grows but lovely delicacy too. This is to be sought out.

Fewer than 100 cases of this brilliant Barolo were made; this is tiny production. This is so silky and finessed, with pure and ripe orange peel, showing the Tortonian soil character. Quite ripe berries give a richer core of fruit. The tannic grip grows but lovely delicacy too. This is to be sought out.

More dark fruit than the Gallina, this is more brooding, as typical from the Albesani site. But with a beautiful colour, lots of tarry depth on the nose, and hints of sour cherry and pot pourri, as well as a grippy palate, this is savoury, long, and has remarkable potential.

More dark fruit than the Gallina, this is more brooding, as typical from the Albesani site. But with a beautiful colour, lots of tarry depth on the nose, and hints of sour cherry and pot pourri, as well as a grippy palate, this is savoury, long, and has remarkable potential.

From one of the most famous sites in Neive, this shows the classic character of the commune. Very delicate and fragrant, there’s so much rose petal character, and a lovely salinity on the finish. This is a very pretty Barbaresco.

Wild and expressive on the nose, there’s notes of spice and tons of wild berry fruit. Yet on the palate there’s lovely purity and fragrance. It’s very savoury with plenty of texture, and it’s remarkably long. There’s a real bitter orange character: this is almost negroni-like. Give this time to come together: you’ll be richly rewarded.

Wild and expressive on the nose, there’s notes of spice and tons of wild berry fruit. Yet on the palate there’s lovely purity and fragrance. It’s very savoury with plenty of texture, and it’s remarkably long. There’s a real bitter orange character: this is almost negroni-like. Give this time to come together: you’ll be richly rewarded.

A 0.24 Hectare site bought by the Roagna family in 1929, the average age of the vines is over 50 years. The 2015 is a stunning example. With notes of iron and scorched earth, this is a savoury, tannic, brooding Barbaresco: one that will age spectacularly. Not to be missed.

A 0.24 Hectare site bought by the Roagna family in 1929, the average age of the vines is over 50 years. The 2015 is a stunning example. With notes of iron and scorched earth, this is a savoury, tannic, brooding Barbaresco: one that will age spectacularly. Not to be missed.

A 0.24 Hectare site bought by the Roagna family in 1929, the average age of the vines is over 50 years. The 2015 is a stunning example. With notes of iron and scorched earth, this is a savoury, tannic, brooding Barbaresco: one that will age spectacularly. Not to be missed.

With an average of 50 year old vines, the 2015 Asili VV is expressive and complex, with soaring aromatics of spice and wild flowers, and such delicacy to the fruit on the palate. The finish is so long, complex, and mineral.

With an average of 50 year old vines, the 2015 Asili VV is expressive and complex, with soaring aromatics of spice and wild flowers, and such delicacy to the fruit on the palate. The finish is so long, complex, and mineral.

The youngest vines for this were planted in 1937, and this is a profound expression of Barolo. Notes of camphor and ripe and exotic fruit is balanced by talc-like tannins, and brisk, dancing acidity. This is simply brilliant.

Made from vines that are over 50 years old on average, this is a complex, soaring, sophisticated Barbaresco. Notes of rose petal, and a peppermint character swirl from the glass, while the palate is elegant, long, and profound.

This comes from younger vines throughout the family’s vineyards, and is one of the best Rossos you’ll find. Delicate berries on the nose, with impeccable balance, and a very long, focussed finish. Brilliant.

From the very top of the hill, the finest site in the Paje vineyard, and vines that are at least 60 years old, Crichet Paje is one of the great wines of Piedmont. The 2012 is surprisingly approachable, but don’t let that fool you. This is one for the long haul. If you let it age, it’s sure to blow you away. Astonishingly beautiful. If you can get hold of this, do so.