Barolo Rocche di Castiglione DOCG 2020 · MAGNUM

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

Geologists call it erosion. Winegrowers call it fate. Over millions of years, the rocks above Castiglione Falletto weathered, forming the soils on which Pira thrives today. When Luca Roagna acquired half a hectare on these very 'rocche' in 2016, he came full circle: the mother rock returned to its child. The plot lies at the historic heart of the vineyard, at the summit of the hill at three hundred metres, facing due south. Calcareous clay soils, interspersed with white rock and sand, nourish Nebbiolo vines dating from the 1960s and 70s – planted with cuttings from ancient vines. Situated right next to the new winery, this vineyard is Roagna's most intimate possession: a mere 0.48 hectares, yielding a Barolo that Antonio Galloni simply describes as "pure sensuality".

In the glass, it displays the luminous clarity that characterises great Nebbiolos – a pale cherry red with that characteristic rusty sheen. The nose combines floral elegance with the mineral austerity of limestone: crushed rose petals, violets and red berries meet leather, spices and a hint of smoke. On the palate, the signature of Rocche: silky tannins with an almost ethereal quality, underpinned by the structural depth that only aged limestone can impart. Finesse meets backbone; grace meets tension. A Barolo that whispers, yet will resonate for decades to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"A solid, consistent red wine whose tart cherry, strawberry, rosehip and mineral flavours combine with a viscous texture on the palate. However, this wine is never heavy and finishes with finesse and excellent length. It is so well-balanced and appealing that you'd be tempted to pop the cork straight away, but it will improve even further with time." Wine Spectator

"The Rocche di Castiglione beautifully captures the lifted personality of this celebrated MGA, framed by a distinct chalky mineral note that surrounds delicate fruit and blue flower. Hints of tarry spice and cured tobacco add further nuance. This site consistently delivers the precision and linearity that I most admire, and those qualities are on full display here, finishing with a lingering salty edge. Over the following days, the wine gains impressive definition, revealing layers of crushed stone, resinous spice and tar with ever greater aromatic clarity. It remains exceptionally fine and graceful on the palate, with less tannic bite than expected, although the texture never fully fills out, remaining slender despite its growing complexity. This is my favorite wine in the non–Vecchie Viti lineup." Wine Advocate

"A reserved wine with a subtle bouquet of minerals, wild strawberries, fresh violets, rhubarb, cherry stones and graphite. Full-bodied, robust and velvety, with ripe tannins and aromas of blood oranges. A long, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is one of the highlights of this series from Luca Roagna. It is also a wine that took 12+ hours to open up. The wine's aromas and inner fragrance are utterly seductive. This is the Rocche di Castiglione. On the palate, the 2020 Rocche di Castiglione is bright and focused, with striking red fruit that captivates the senses. It is a Barolo that satisfies both the hedonistic and intellectual senses. harvestwho can get hold of the 2020 vintage should not hesitate, for it is a deeply moving, exceptionally broodingwine of the very highest calibre." Vinous