Barolo Rocche di Castiglione DOCG 2020

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 parent rock returned to its offspring. 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 vineyards. Situated right next to the new winery, this vineyard is Roagna's most intimate possession: a mere 0.48 hectares, from which a Barolo is produced that Antonio Galloni simply describes as "pure sensuality".

In the glass, it displays that luminous clarity that characterises great Nebbiolos – a pale cherry red with that characteristic rust-coloured sheen. The nose combines floral elegance with the mineral rigour 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 that 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 robust, consistent red wine whose tart notes of cherry, strawberry, rosehip and mineral 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 one would be tempted to pop the cork straight away, but it will improve even further with age." 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 mineral notes, wild strawberries, fresh violets, rhubarb, cherry stones and graphite. Full-bodied, firm 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 the intellectual senses. harvestwho can find the 2020 vintage should not hesitate, for it is a deeply moving, extremely broodingwine of the very highest calibre." Vinous