Rosso Langhe DOC 2020

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

Luca Roagna likes to call it his worst wine. "It's made from all the leftovers," he says with a smile. But what Roagna considers "leftovers" would be considered a jewel elsewhere: The Langhe Rosso combines Nebbiolo from Barbaresco and Barolo – from Pajé, from Pira, from young vines that have not yet reached the magical age of 25 years. Vines that have only recently been planted in plots that were damaged by landslides in the 1990s. Luca says of himself: "I'm a thick skull." This entry-level wine is pure provocation. Technically speaking, it could be categorised as Barolo or Barbaresco – were it not a blend of both appellations. And here comes the amazing thing: Langhe Rosso undergoes exactly the same rigorous vinification and ageing programme as the great cru wines – 60 to 70 days of maceration with a submerged cap, followed by five years of ageing in neutral French oak and cement barrels. Five years for an "entry-level wine" – well, nobody else really does that.

The 2020 presents itself with a radiant ruby colour in the glass. The nose reveals aromas of red cherries, dried flower petals, mint, tobacco and a subtle tertiary note reminiscent of discarded leather. The classic Nebbiolo elegance is evident on the palate: lively acidity, velvety, fine-grained tannins and notes of strawberry, blood orange, wild herbs and white truffle. The structure is precise, the length is remarkable – this is not a young wine for quick consumption, but a strong Nebbiolo with ageing potential. Luca Roagna proves once again that there are no compromises with him. Not even with the "worst" wine ... SUPERIORE.DE