Paje Barbaresco

The Roagnas have been making Barbaresco since the late 19th century, well before its official classification has formed. After taking over from Alfredo after the 2001 vintage, Luca Roagna has kept true to the traditional wine-making of previous generations whilst fine-tuning it to turn out pure, unique Piedmontese wines that are sought-after the world over. The family’s 16 hectares are split between Barbaresco and Barolo, with some choice parcels in some of the region’s finest vineyards. The wine-making is gentle long and slow, fermentation is in large old oak casks and maceration times vary between 60 to 90 days depending on the wine and the vintage. The wines are released later than almost any others in Piedmont, being aged for between 5 to 8 years in cask. These are beguiling, intense soulful wines.

The name Pajé is derived from the Piemontese dialect which signifies the historic vineyard. The Roagna family has own this historic land in the village of Barbaresco since 1953. The vineyard is an amphitheater and has an average altitude of 230 meters above sea level which is traditionally perfect here for growing grapes. 

Bright ruby red. Pajé discharges in unerring salvos of raspberries and sour cherries as well as laurels and walnut shells, its shimmering ethereal top note reminiscent of asphalted roads on the midsummer horizon. Mild spices like cloves, black pepper and dried cherries are a recurring thematic theme. Mercilessly dry on the palate with beguiling extract sweetness. Grown on vines over 80 years old, the fruit and spice notes of the nose are accurately reflected on the palate and are firmly coated. Complex and multi-layered, it flows across the palate with a silky feel, almost floating, and its fruity, ethereal finish seems almost weightless with an extra-long finish.