Barbera d’Alba, Roagna 2020

For lovers of traditionally made Nebbiolo, few names carry the reverence and mystique of Roagna. Deeply rooted in the hills of Barbaresco since the late nineteenth century, with documented bottlings dating back to 1890, the estate has become one of Piedmont’s most uncompromising and sought after producers, crafting wines of extraordinary finesse, detail and longevity from some of the Langhe’s greatest vineyard sites. Today led by Luca Roagna alongside his father Alfredo, the family remains fiercely committed to traditional winemaking, with organic farming, massal selection, wild yeast fermentation, submerged cap macerations that can extend for several weeks, and long ageing in large neutral oak botti all central to the estate philosophy. At the heart of the domaine lies Pajé, one of Barbaresco’s historic crus, alongside celebrated holdings in Albesani, Gallina, Montefico and Asili, while in Barolo the family’s revered Pira vineyard in Castiglione Falletto produces some of the estate’s most profound wines. Roagna’s combination of tiny production, long ageing regimes and uncompromising traditionalism has earned the wines cult status amongst collectors and sommeliers, often drawing comparisons with the great terroir driven domaines of Burgundy for their transparency, precision and extraordinary ageing potential.

Barbera d’Alba is produced from estate vineyards in the Langhe, where Barbera is handled with the same level of seriousness and patience as the domaine’s Nebbiolo based wines. Rather than pushing the variety toward overt richness or oak driven concentration, Roagna aims for a more restrained and site transparent expression, preserving Barbera’s natural acidity and savoury character. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts and extended maceration, allowing the wine to build texture and complexity without sacrificing freshness. Elevage is carried out in large neutral oak botti, softening the wine gradually while maintaining clarity of fruit and mineral tension. The wine shows black cherry, damson and wild blackberry, alongside violet florals, dried herbs and subtle spice. The palate is supple yet structured, with vibrant acidity, fine tannins and a long, savoury finish that carries the earthy precision and old school character that defines the Roagna style.

Origin Italy, Piedmont, Alba

Grapes Barbera

Vintage 2020

Alcohol 14.0%

Style Bold, savoury, structured

Bottle size 75cl

Winemaking Spontaneous fermentation with extended maceration, followed by élevage in large neutral oak botti to preserve freshness, texture and site transparency

Notes Organic, Low intervention, Sustainable Viticulture