What kind of wine is Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna
The Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna is born in the heart of Castiglione Falletto, one of the most iconic municipalities in the Barolo area. Made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes, this wine precisely tells the personality of the Pira cru: a historic vineyard located on a southeast-facing slope, protected at the top by the rocks of Castiglione and defended at the bottom by a forest traversed by a small stream.
The soil, rich in calcareous marl and ancient sands, gives the wines a balance between elegance and structure. The vines, aged between 25 and 50 years, are the result of ancient mass selections, a practice that favors biodiversity and the authentic expression of the terroir.
Vintage Details
2014 was a complex vintage in Langa, with a rainy spring followed by a moderately warm summer. These conditions favored slow ripening, allowing the Nebbiolo of Pira to express fine aromas and elegant tannins. The result is a Barolo of extraordinary finesse, leaning more towards elegance than power, but with surprising longevity.
Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking of Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna follows the winery's traditional philosophy. Fermentation takes place in wooden vats using a pied de cuve of indigenous yeasts, a natural technique that ensures aromatic authenticity. This is followed by a long submerged cap maceration — a classic Piedmontese method where the skins remain immersed in the must — for about two and a half months, to extract soft tannins and complex aromas. Aging continues in neutral oak barrels for about five years, then finishes with further resting in the bottle. Production is deliberately limited: less than 15,000 bottles per vintage.
Tasting Notes
The Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna is a wine of great balance, combining finesse and depth, expressing all the complexity of the Castiglione Falletto terroir in the glass.
Color
Visually, it captivates with a brilliant, clear, and transparent garnet red, a distinctive sign of the most authentic Barolos. Over time, it tends to develop orange reflections, typical of Nebbiolo's evolution.
Nose
The bouquet is broad and refined: notes of small red fruits, raspberry, and cherry are recognizable, blending with hints of dried rose, sweet spices, tobacco, and undergrowth. As minutes pass in the glass, nuances of leather and licorice emerge.
Palate
On the palate, it is harmonious and vibrant. The tannins, typically present in Nebbiolo, are smooth and finely textured. The fresh acidity supports a balanced body, while the persistence on the palate is long, with aromatic returns reminiscent of spices and wet earth. An elegant wine that evolves wonderfully with a few years of aging.
Food Pairings for Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna
The Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna is perfect with rich and structured traditional Piedmontese dishes, but also pairs well with more modern preparations. Some recommended pairings:
- Braised and stewed red meats
- Baked beef fillet or game
- Ravioli del plin with roast sauce
- Aged cheeses, such as Castelmagno or extra-aged Parmigiano
Thanks to its balance, it can also be an excellent meditation wine, to be slowly savored in a large glass.
Storage and Aging: How to store Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna wine
To maintain the quality of Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna, it is advisable to store it in a cool place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C, away from direct light and heat sources. The bottle should be kept horizontally, so that the cork always remains in contact with the wine.
Thanks to its structure and long aging in the cellar, this Barolo can evolve for many years. In optimal conditions, it can be enjoyed even after 15-20 years from the vintage, developing even more complex and fascinating tertiary aromas.
Roagna
The History of the Roagna Winery In the Langhe region, the beating heart of Piedmont, the Roagna winery represents a pillar of winemaking tradition. For generations, the Roagna family has preserved and passed down the secrets of a production that masterfully balances tradition and innovation. The...
How to best open and serve Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna, position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This allows natural sediment, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing it from ending up in the glass during service.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal temperature to fully enjoy this Barolo is between 18°C and 20°C. If the bottle is stored in a cold cellar, leave it at room temperature for about an hour before opening. Avoid abrupt temperature changes that could alter the wine's aromas.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a double-lever corkscrew to ensure a slow and safe extraction of the cork, which can be delicate after several years of aging. Follow these steps:
- Carefully clean the capsule and the neck of the bottle.
- Insert the corkscrew screw into the center of the cork, twisting gently.
- Extract slowly, avoiding abrupt movements that could break the cork.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening the bottle, check that the cork has a clean aroma and is free of unpleasant odors. Pour a small amount of Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna into a tasting glass and taste to ensure the wine is sound and ready for decanting.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
For this aged Barolo, decanting is essential to enhance the complex aromas and elegant structure of the wine. Proceed as follows:
- Slowly pour the wine into a decanter, leaving the sediment in the bottle.
- Allow the wine to oxygenate for approximately 1-2 hours before serving.
This operation helps the wine release more harmonious notes of fruit, spices, and leather, distinctive characteristics of a great Barolo from Piedmont.
6. Serving
Serve Barolo Pira DOCG 2014 - Roagna in large, Burgundy-type glasses, which promote aeration and the perception of complex aromas. Pour gently and fill the glasses about one-third full. Ideal for accompanying red meat dishes, game, or aged cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed completely, reseal the bottle with a vacuum stopper and store in the refrigerator for a maximum of 48 hours. Before serving again, bring the wine back to the recommended serving temperature. After two days, the wine will lose some of its aromatic intensity, but will still be pleasant to taste.