Roagna’s 2013 Barbaresco Crichët Pajè is an exceptional Piedmontese red, crafted entirely from Nebbiolo grapes sourced from the revered Pajè vineyard. The “Crichët” parcel, a privileged and historically celebrated section of the vineyard, boasts old vines that offer both intensity and an extraordinary aromatic complexity. The 2013 vintage was marked by a late, cool growing season, which allowed the Nebbiolo grapes to ripen slowly, preserving their excellent acidity while delivering refined tannins and remarkable depth. Roagna’s philosophy leans toward minimal intervention: fermentation takes place exclusively with indigenous yeasts, and the wine is aged for extended periods—often five years or more—in large oak casks, giving it balance and nuance while respecting its purity of origin. Bottled in magnum, this format further ensures a slower, harmonious evolution, destined for cellaring.
Barbaresco sits within the Langhe hills in Piedmont, a region renowned worldwide for Nebbiolo-based wines. The climate is continental, benefiting from cool, misty mornings and substantial diurnal temperature shifts that foster the expression of Nebbiolo’s aromatic subtleties. Soils here are predominantly calcareous marl, lending the wine both structure and an unmistakable finesse. While Barbaresco is often compared to neighbouring Barolo, it tends to offer a touch more elegance and earlier approachability, especially from great crus like Pajè.
This Crichët Pajè magnum excels with classic Piedmontese dishes: try it alongside brasato al Barolo (slow-cooked beef in wine), tajarin pasta with white truffle, or local cheeses such as Castelmagno or robiola. Its depth also flatters game birds or a wild mushroom risotto, and it stands up well to aged red meats and autumnal flavours.
For tasting, decant the wine for at least two hours to allow its bouquet to unfurl, and serve at 16-18°C. This will allow the symphony of roses, violets, dark cherry, spice and earthy notes to blossom fully. The structure and vibrancy of this wine ensure that it will continue to develop sublime complexity over the next 20 years or more.
