Roagna’s 2020 Barolo Pira “Vecchie Viti” is a traditional, single-vineyard Barolo from the Pira cru in Castiglione Falletto, made from 100% Nebbiolo. “Vecchie Viti” indicates a selection from the estate’s oldest vines. Roagna farms with organic practices and is known for long, traditional élevage in large, neutral oak, a model that typically emphasizes structure, longevity, and transparency to site. Alcohol is listed at about 13.5% (single source).
Critical reception for the 2020 is notably strong, with multiple excellent reviews. James Suckling awards an outstanding 98 points, calling it “a very classic Barolo with old-fashioned style,” and describing a “rich and elegant wine” with aromas ranging from “watermelon” and “wild strawberries” to “licorice, lemon leaves and quinine,” finishing “austere yet fresh and elegant.” Vinous’ Antonio Galloni is similarly enthusiastic at 97+ points, writing that the wine “shows how magical Nebbiolo and Barolo can be,” and praising its range: “at times quite powerful and at other moments much more reserved.” His note highlights developing complexity—“crushed flowers, spice, herbs, coffee and pine”—and flags its age-worthy architecture, with “potent tannins” that suggest “at least a few years in bottle will be beneficial.”
Wine Spectator also rates it an excellent 97 points and underscores both concentration and drive: “Deep and sappy from the get-go,” it shows “saturated cherry, strawberry, eucalyptus, tar and mineral flavors,” with a “ripe, rich feel midpalate” and a “long, persistent aftertaste.” The magazine concludes it “offers excellent balance and expression,” recommending it “Best from 2029 through 2048.”
Kerin O’Keefe (96 points) positions it as a step up in “structure and depth of flavors” from the estate’s regular Pira, noting “fragrant blue flower, wild rose, dark spice and forest floor,” plus “taut, fine-grained tannins” and “a hint of tobacco” on the close. Overall, this is a classic-leaning Barolo built for patience, with aromatics, savory detail, and firm tannic support.
