What kind of wine is Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti DOCG 2018 - Roagna?

The Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti DOCG 2018 - Roagna is a red wine of extraordinary character, an authentic expression of the Nebbiolo grape and the historic Barbaresco controlled and guaranteed designation of origin (DOCG). Coming from a small parcel of the Montefico cru, in the heart of Piedmont's Langhe region, this wine best embodies the artisanal philosophy of the Roagna family, active in this area since 1929.

The vines, over fifty years old, root themselves in calcareous-clay soil, giving the wine an elegant and complex, yet always balanced, structure. The result is a red wine capable of combining finesse and depth, ideal for those seeking a Barbaresco with an authentic and sincere profile.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage was characterized by a regular climate pattern, with a warm but not excessive summer and a dry end to the season that favored perfect grape ripening. Manual harvesting allowed for a double selection of the grapes, ensuring only the best from the old Montefico vines. The result is a wine with a great balance between structure, freshness, and a pleasant tannic finesse.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti DOCG 2018 - Roagna follows traditional methods, in full respect of the winery's production philosophy. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in wooden vats, using only indigenous yeasts (natural, already present on the grapes), without external additions.

Maceration takes place with a submerged cap – a technique that involves prolonged contact of the must with the skins – for a period ranging from 70 to 90 days, extracting color, aromas, and tannins in the most natural way. The subsequent aging lasts about five years in neutral oak barrels, which allow the wine to evolve slowly, maintaining the primary aromas of Nebbiolo intact. Production is limited, with less than 1,000 bottles per vintage.

Tasting Notes

Color

The color is a brilliant garnet red, with orange reflections beginning to emerge along the edge of the glass. It is the distinctive sign of a noble Nebbiolo, already capable of conveying its evolution with elegance.

Nose

The aroma is intense and refined: notes of withered rose, ripe cherry, tobacco, and sweet spices are recognizable. With aeration, more complex nuances of earth, licorice, and undergrowth emerge, typical of the Montefico cru and Roagna's touch.

Palate

On the palate, it is a wine of great structure and depth. The tannins – the component that gives a dry and robust sensation – are dense but silky, in perfect balance with the freshness. The mouthfeel is harmonious, long, and persistent, with a finish that recalls the spicy and mineral notes already perceived on the nose. A Barbaresco capable of exciting today, but destined to refine further with time.

What dishes to pair with Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti DOCG 2018 - Roagna

This wine finds its best expression when paired with rich and flavorful traditional Piedmontese dishes, but it also lends itself to more modern interpretations of cuisine. Some excellent choices include:

• Braised and stewed red meats, such as beef or wild boar
• Tajarin with game ragu or porcini mushrooms
• Aged and aromatic cheeses, such as Castelmagno or 36-month Parmigiano
• Truffle dishes, which enhance the complexity of the bouquet

It is also a wine suitable for meditative tasting moments, paired only with a good platter of cured meats and cheeses, appreciating its evolution glass after glass.

Storage and Aging: How to store Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti DOCG 2018 - Roagna wine

To best preserve the characteristics of this wine, it is important to store it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature, ideally between 14 and 16°C. The bottles should be kept lying down, so that the cork remains constantly moist.

The Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti DOCG 2018 - Roagna is a wine for long aging: it can evolve for over 15 years, developing increasingly complex and refined aromas over time. To best enjoy it, it is advisable to open it at least an hour before serving and to serve it at a temperature of about 18°C.