At a glance

Producer

Roagna

Region

Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo (with some Barbera, Dolcetto, and native varieties)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$35-$60 USD

Tasting profile

Bright red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petal, hints of violet and forest floor, subtle savory notes, lively acidity, and a delicate mineral edge.

Evolution: With age, will gain more leather, tobacco, dried herbs, and truffle notes. Tannins soften and palate broadens.

At peak: Integration of fruit, floral, and earthy nuances; silky texture with lingering, complex finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, hallmark of traditional Nebbiolo from Barbaresco/Barolo area

Tannins

Medium-high, fine-grained, slightly grippy but increasingly supple with age

Alcohol

13.0-14.0% ABV (typical of vintage and estate style)

Aging potential

Very good for Langhe Rosso; can evolve for 8-12 years total after vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2027

Optimal window

2022 to 2029

Current status

Entering optimal window, can be enjoyed young or cellared

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant, with youthful tannins integrating well; drinking beautifully now but will reward mid-term cellaring.

Roagna's traditional methods and low yields provide structure and complexity even in their Langhe Rosso. 2017 is becoming expressive now but can gain nuance for several more years. The peak is when tannins and freshness balance seamlessly with the evolving earth and fruit tones.

Food pairing

Ideal with traditional Piemontese cuisine: tajarin (rich egg pasta) with ragù, mushroom risotto, polenta with braised veal, or simply roasted game birds; also pairs well with charcuterie, hard cheeses, and porcini dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (45-60 minutes) — Decanting helps soften youthful tannins and opens up aromatics, letting the wine show both floral and savory subtleties.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Dry farming, use of only native yeasts, no chemical fertilizers, minimal intervention both in vineyard and winery. Manual harvest. Natural cover crops and biodiversity encouraged in vineyards.

Roagna is renowned for its commitment to natural, traditional, and sustainable viticulture. While lacking formal ECO/BIO certifications, their practices exceed baseline organic standards and focus on vineyard biodiversity, wildlife protection, and minimal chemical intervention. Traditional, low-intervention winemaking means fewer inputs and less energy use. Transport to markets outside Europe increases carbon footprint, but within a global context, overall sustainability performance is strong for a premium producer in the region.