Barbaresco Asili “Vecchie Viti” DOCG 2020
Roagna | Piedmont
Az. Agr. I Paglieri | Loc. Paglieri 9 | IT 12050 Barbaresco
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Some vineyards are bought. Some are inherited. This one was gambled away. In 1961, a 0.22-hectare plot in the heart of Asili changed hands – the previous owner, so the story goes, was exceptionally unlucky at cards. Giovanni Roagna had the better hand. Or the better fate. The Piedmontese called this location "Asei" in dialect – one of the historic vineyards south of the village of Barbaresco. The plot is located exactly in the centre of the hill, where Luca Roagna locates the "most classic" part of the crus. The soil is characterised by calcareous marl interspersed with veins of reddish-yellow sand. The vines, now at least 80 years old, are not cared for – they are left alone. Wild grasses cover the ground, Luca does not plough, the permaculture remains untouched.
Of the four Vecchie Viti, Asili is the most elegant in the glass. Wine Advocate calls elegance the "ace" of this site – and indeed, the texture in the glass is almost glossy, polished and fine. Pressed rose, eucalyptus, cinnamon and white pepper open, followed by cherry, strawberry and rosehip. On the palate, the apparent lightness that Roagna has mastered so well: slender and light in appearance, with complexity, depth and restrained power behind it. Taut tannins, vibrant acidity, a final of mineral precision. Around 1,000 bottles. Really good cards that have been paying off since 1961. SUPERIORE.DE
"This red wine is fragrant and open, with flavours of rosehip, sour cherry, leather, white pepper and minerals, as well as a hint of green tea. It is characterised by a lively acidity, while the tannins leave a chalky sensation in the long aftertaste. Overall, it shows excellent finesse, balance and intensity." Wine Spectator
"The 2020 Barbaresco Asili Vecchie Viti offers up crushed red berry fruit, spice, menthol, new leather, licorice and blood orange. Hints of kirsch, hard candy and star anise appear later, adding an exotic flair. The 2020 has it all—finesse and power wrapped into a super-classic mid-weight frame." Vinous
