KERIN O'KEEFE 100 POINTS - "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. Abv: 14% Kerin O'Keefe October 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com"
WINE ADVOCATE 98 POINTS - "This is an incredibly elegant expression of Nebbiolo derived from a 0.22-hectare plot that was purchased in 1961. There is a crazy story behind the acquisition involving Luca's grandfather and the previous owner who apparently was especially unlucky at cards. The Roagna 2019 Barbaresco Asili Vecchie Viti is especially polished and fine with an almost glossy texture. This lucky vineyard is covered with a unique permaculture, including wild grasses. Luca Roagna does not till the land and he leaves that green regenerative cover crop untouched. The wine is lean and light in appearance, but again in typical Roagna fashion, the delicate look of the wine comes in contrast to the complexity, depth and power on offer."
PRACTICING ORGANIC FARMING
"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... Today the property is run by Luca Roagna, the fifth generation of the family... The style of the estate’s wines has been carefully passed down through all five generations of 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... fermentation still includes a full sixty day maceration before aging in large, Slavonian oak botti for anywhere from three to five years (depending on the quality of the vintage) prior to bottling. The wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered, and often the estate will also hold back the wines for several years of further bottle aging prior to release." - BEAUNE IMPORTS
