Roagna's Barbaresco Crichët Pajè 2014, presented here in an impressive magnum format, is a wine of profound sophistication and remarkable pedigree. Crafted from 100% Nebbiolo, this cuvée hails from the revered Crichët subsection of the Pajè vineyard, a parcel known for its exceptional exposure and unique marl-rich soils. 2014 in Piemonte was a vintage marked by challenges – a cooler, wetter growing season than usual resulted in wines of precision and restraint rather than overt opulence, yet with careful selection and traditional vinification, Roagna achieved a balanced, age-worthy expression. The wine ferments with indigenous yeasts and undergoes lengthy maceration, followed by several years’ ageing in large neutral botti, allowing Nebbiolo's intricate bouquet of rose petal, tart cherry, dried herbs and truffle to fully unfold.
Barbaresco sits at the heart of Piemonte, north-east of Alba, where the rolling, south-facing hills create an ideal microclimate for ripening Nebbiolo. The diverse soils, predominantly calcareous marl, promote complexity and minerality in the resulting wines. This region’s history is rich: since the 19th century, Barbaresco has been shaping some of Italy’s finest reds, often overshadowed by Barolo, yet offering a more elegant, finely woven structure. Roagna is a leading traditionalist, holding steadfast to low-yield viticulture and extended maturation, thus capturing both the finesse and longevity typical of great Barbaresco.
Crichët Pajè’s delicate power makes it a superb companion to classic Piemontese cuisine such as Tajarin al Tartufo (thin egg pasta with truffles), brasato al Barbaresco (beef braised in the wine itself), or agnolotti del plin (tiny meat-stuffed ravioli). Its fragrance and fine tannins also enhance dishes like herb-roast lamb, wild mushroom risotto, or feathered game.
Decant this wine at least two hours before serving to reveal its aromatic palette. The ideal tasting temperature is 16-18°C, which will highlight the nuance and refinement of the Nebbiolo grape while preserving the wine’s essential freshness and vivid fruit. A magnum like this will age beautifully for decades if cellared with care.
