Wines Langhe Roagna - Solea - 2020

Roagna’s Solea from the 2020 vintage is a white wine from the Langhe appellation in Piedmont, northern Italy. The Solea cuvée is an intriguing blend, typically composed predominantly of Chardonnay with a significant proportion of Nebbiolo vinified as a white wine—an unusual and distinctive approach. Roagna is renowned for traditional, careful winemaking: grapes are hand-harvested from old vines, fermentation is spontaneous with indigenous yeasts, and the wine is aged in oak without excessive intervention or new wood. This respect for authenticity reveals itself in the complex bouquet and layered palate. The 2020 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, promoting both intensity and freshness, yielding a wine with bright orchard fruit, a floral component reminiscent of acacia, subtle brioche from the Chardonnay, and a saline, mineral backbone that speaks to the Langhe’s limestone-rich soils.

The Langhe region is legendary for its rolling hills and patchwork of vineyards. The climate is continental, with significant diurnal temperature variation—a key factor in the development of aromatic precision and tension in the grapes. Soils here are mostly calcareous clay and grey marl, naturally lowering yields and intensifying the character of the wines. While Langhe is best known for red Barolo and Barbaresco, its whites, particularly those made with Chardonnay, have become increasingly sought after, prized for their structure, minerality, and restrained elegance. The region’s viticultural history stretches back centuries, with a philosophy that balances respect for tradition with open-minded innovation.

Solea’s refinement makes it a versatile partner at the table. The wine’s complexity and energy pair beautifully with Piedmontese starters like vitello tonnato or bagna cauda, as well as richer seafood dishes—think grilled langoustines, scallops with beurre blanc, or a risotto al limone. It stands up well to poultry in a light cream sauce, and is a fine foil for a selection of aged cheeses, particularly those from the region such as Castelmagno or Robiola.

For the best tasting experience, serve the Roagna Solea 2020 slightly chilled, ideally between 10 and 12°C. A gentle decantation can help the wine open up, revealing its full aromatic spectrum and textural nuance. This is a wine equally suited to contemplative sipping or sharing over a convivial meal.