Barolo Pira 2014

750ml

Overview

The Roagna Barolo Pira 2014 is an exceptional Barolo from the famed Roagna estate in the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy. Known for their commitment to traditional winemaking methods, Roagna crafts wines that express the true character of the land, with a focus on the terroir of their vineyards. The Pira vineyard, located in the heart of the Barolo DOCG zone, produces some of the most sought-after Nebbiolo grapes, known for their intense aromatics, structure, and aging potential. The 2014 vintage, though challenging due to weather conditions, still shows the hallmark of Roagna’s careful craftsmanship, with a balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins that promises excellent aging potential.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: The grapes for the Roagna Barolo Pira 2014 were hand-harvested and undergo a fermentation process with wild yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Extended maceration was employed to extract deep color, tannins, and aromatics from the skins.
• Aging: The wine was aged for approximately 36 months in large, traditional oak barrels, primarily Slavonian oak. This aging process allows the wine to develop its complexity while maintaining the purity of the Nebbiolo grape. The wine was not filtered or fined, preserving its natural expression.
• Bottling: The wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined, allowing it to evolve naturally in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine has a deep ruby-red color with garnet reflections, indicating both youth and the beginnings of aging.
• Aroma: On the nose, the wine is aromatic and complex, with red fruit aromas of cherry and raspberry, along with notes of dried rose petals, violets, and subtle hints of tobacco and leather. Over time, the wine reveals additional layers of spice, balsamic, and earthy undertones.
• Palate: The palate is full-bodied and structured, with rich, velvety tannins that are characteristic of Nebbiolo from the Barolo region. The fruit flavors on the palate are complemented by savory notes of herbs, dried flowers, and a touch of licorice. The acidity is bright, providing freshness and balance. The finish is long and persistent, with the wine’s complexity continuing to unfold on the palate.

Food Pairing

The Roagna Barolo Pira 2014 pairs exceptionally well with a variety of hearty dishes. It is a perfect match for roasted meats, such as beef, lamb, or venison, as well as rich pasta dishes like pappardelle with a wild boar ragu. The wine also pairs well with aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano or a mature pecorino, and with truffle-based dishes, reflecting the wine’s earthy complexity.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served at 16–18°C (61–64°F), allowing the wine to fully express its aromas and flavors.
• Decanting: Decanting is recommended, especially for older bottles, to help the wine open up and reveal its intricate aromas and textures.

Aging Potential

The Roagna Barolo Pira 2014 has an exceptional aging potential, with an optimal drinking window from 2025 to 2040. This wine will continue to evolve and develop additional complexity with time in the bottle, and it may improve for several more decades.