Barbaresco Asili “Vecchie Viti” DOCG 2020

Roagna | Piedmont
Az. Agr. I Paglieri | Loc. Paglieri 9 | IT 12050 Barbaresco

Some vineyards are bought. Some are inherited. This one was won at cards. In 1961, a 0.22-hectare plot in the heart of Asili changed hands – the previous owner, so the story goes, had had extraordinary bad luck at cards. Giovanni Roagna had the better hand. Or perhaps he simply had better luck. The Piedmontese called this plot "Asei" in their dialect – one of the historic vineyards south of the village of Barbaresco. The plot lies exactly in the centre of the hill, where Luca Roagna identifies the "most classic" part of the cru. The soil is characterised by calcareous marl interspersed with reddish-yellow veins of sand. The vines, now at least 80 years old, are not tended – they are left to their own devices. Wild grasses cover the ground; Luca does not plough, and the permaculture remains untouched.

Of the four Vecchie Viti, Asili is the epitome of elegance in the glass. The Wine Advocate describes elegance as this vineyard's "trump card" – and indeed, the wine reveals an almost lustrous texture in the glass, polished and refined. Pressed rose, eucalyptus, cinnamon and white pepper open the nose, followed by cherry, strawberry and rosehip. On the palate, that apparent lightness which Roagna masters so skilfully: slender and bright in appearance, with complexity, depth and restrained power beneath. Firm tannins, vibrant acidity, a final of mineral precision. Around 1,000 bottles. A truly winning hand that has been paying off since 1961. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Asili Vecchie Viti opens with a light garnet-ruby appearance and immediately shows greater mid-palate volume than its siblings thanks to that old-vine complexity. The wine is beautifully integrated and seamless with the glossy, almost creamy texture that finely crafted Nebbiolo can achieve. That extra richness carries through the center of the palate, lending impressive length before the wine tapers to a streamlined, finely etched finish that remains surprisingly fine and elegant." Wine Advocate

"This red wine is fragrant and open, with aromas of rosehip, sour cherry, leather, white pepper and minerals, as well as a hint of green tea. It is characterised by a lively acidity, whilst the tannins leave a chalky sensation in the long finish. Overall, it displays excellent finesse, balance and intensity." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Barbaresco Asili Vecchie Viti offers crushed red berries, spices, menthol, new leather, liquorice and blood orange. Later, notes of kirsch, sweets and star anise emerge, lending it an exotic flair. The 2020 vintage has it all – finesse and power, wrapped up in a superbly classic, medium-bodied structure." Vinous

"Slim and elegant, with subtle aromas of roses, graphite, watermelon and liquorice. Medium to full-bodied with breathtaking floral notes on the palate, elegant, velvety tannins, an exceptionally juicy acidity and a crisp, firm finish full of energy." James Suckling