Pajorè
pa-yo-REH
One of Treiso's crown jewels, Pajorè produces some of Barbaresco's most elegant and aromatic Nebbiolo from its south-facing calcareous slopes.
Pajorè is a prestigious Barbaresco MGA in Treiso, renowned for aromatic, refined Nebbiolo with velvety tannins and mineral depth. The 7.82-hectare vineyard sits between 230 and 420 meters elevation on calcareous marl soils. Giovanni Moresco pioneered single-vineyard bottlings here in 1967.
- MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) within Barbaresco DOCG, commune of Treiso
- Total vineyard area of 7.82 hectares
- Elevation ranges from 230 to 420 meters above sea level
- South to south-southwest facing aspect maximizes sun exposure
- Soils are calcareous marl, lime and clay-rich, with sandy-calcareous and marnose character
- Exclusively planted to Nebbiolo
- Name derives from the local dialect term 'Peirolero', referencing the central farmhouse
Location and Classification
Pajorè sits within the commune of Treiso, one of three communes permitted to produce Barbaresco DOCG alongside Barbaresco itself and Neive. Classified as a Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva, Pajorè is recognized as a distinct geographic site within the appellation, allowing producers to list the name on labels when sourcing fruit exclusively from this cru. The vineyard is consistently cited among the finest sites in Treiso and ranks among Barbaresco's most prestigious MGAs overall.
- One of Treiso's most celebrated crus within Barbaresco DOCG
- MGA classification allows single-vineyard labeling
- Shares Barbaresco DOCG status with the communes of Barbaresco and Neive
Terroir and Vineyard Conditions
The vineyard stretches across a significant elevation range, from 230 meters at its lower reaches to 420 meters at its upper limit, generating notable thermal amplitude between day and night temperatures. This diurnal range is a key driver of aromatic complexity and freshness in the wines. The south to south-southwest aspect ensures strong sunlight exposure throughout the growing season, promoting full Nebbiolo ripeness. Soils are predominantly calcareous marl with lime and clay, a classic Langhe composition that delivers structure and mineral precision. Sandy-calcareous and marnose layers contribute further textural nuance to the terroir.
- 190-meter elevation spread creates meaningful thermal amplitude
- Calcareous marl soils are the primary driver of mineral character
- South-facing aspect supports consistent Nebbiolo ripening
- Continental temperate climate with alpine influences shapes the growing season
History and Heritage
The name Pajorè traces back to a local dialect term, 'Peirolero', referencing the farmhouse positioned at the heart of the vineyard. The site's reputation as a single-vineyard Barbaresco source dates to 1967, when Giovanni Moresco produced the first documented single-vineyard wine from Pajorè. This early recognition of the vineyard's distinct character predates the formal MGA system by decades, underscoring the longstanding appreciation for its quality among Langhe producers and merchants.
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Open Wine Lookup →Notable Producers
Several respected Barbaresco producers hold holdings in Pajorè, each interpreting the site through their own winemaking philosophy. Sottimano and Rizzi are among the most recognized names associated with this MGA. Produttori del Barbaresco, the influential cooperative whose single-vineyard Riserve benchmark the appellation, also bottles a Pajorè. Roagna brings a traditional, long-aging approach to the site, while Piazzo and Belcolle round out a strong lineup of producers.
- Sottimano and Rizzi are benchmark single-vineyard producers from Pajorè
- Produttori del Barbaresco bottles Pajorè as part of its celebrated Riserva lineup
- Roagna applies extended maceration and aging to wines from this site
- Multiple producer perspectives showcase the versatility of Pajorè's terroir
Wine Style and Character
Pajorè Barbaresco is defined by elegance and aromatic lift rather than brute power. The wines consistently show floral and spicy aromatics, characteristic of Nebbiolo grown on calcareous soils at altitude, alongside a mineral thread that runs from nose through to the finish. Tannins are velvety and fine-grained compared to some more structured Barbaresco sites, making the wines approachable earlier without sacrificing aging potential. The combination of refined structure, aromatic complexity, and mineral precision is what has cemented Pajorè's reputation as one of Treiso's defining crus.
Aromatic and elegant Nebbiolo with lifted floral notes of rose and violet, red cherry, dried herbs, and spice. Mineral precision on the palate, backed by fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Less imposing than some Barbaresco sites but long and refined on the finish.
- Sottimano Barbaresco Pajorè$70-90Benchmark producer for the MGA; showcases Pajorè's floral, spicy, and mineral character with precision.Find →
- Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Pajorè Riserva$80-100Cooperative Riserva bottling; excellent terroir expression and strong track record across vintages.Find →
- Rizzi Barbaresco Pajorè$60-80Estate-focused producer in Treiso delivering consistently elegant and age-worthy Pajorè Barbaresco.Find →
- Roagna Barbaresco Pajorè$90-130Traditional long-maceration approach yields structured, complex Pajorè requiring extended cellaring.Find →
- Pajorè is an MGA within Barbaresco DOCG, located in the commune of Treiso
- Total area is 7.82 hectares; elevation spans 230 to 420 meters with south to south-southwest aspect
- Soils are calcareous marl, lime and clay-rich, contributing to mineral character and fine tannin structure
- Giovanni Moresco produced the first single-vineyard Pajorè wine in 1967, well before the formal MGA system
- Key producers include Sottimano, Rizzi, Produttori del Barbaresco, and Roagna