Pira

Pira sits within the commune of Castiglione Falletto in the heart of the Barolo DOCG zone. The vineyard covers 7 hectares under vine out of an 11-hectare property, with the remaining 4 hectares occupied by forest. Its southeast-facing aspect ensures good sun exposure across the growing season, while a notably protected microclimate results from two natural features: the Rocche di Castiglione ridge guards the upper portion, and a forested area with a stream running from Bussia di Monforte shelters the lower portion. This dual protection reduces thermal stress and contributes to the site's consistent ripening.

• Commune: Castiglione Falletto, Barolo DOCG
• Total property: 11 ha (7 ha vines, 4 ha forest)
• Southeast aspect for reliable sun exposure
• Natural shelter from Rocche di Castiglione above and forest with stream below

The soils of Pira originate from marine sedimentary deposits of the Helvetian era, placing them among the older geological formations found in the Barolo zone. Multiple stratifications characterize the profile: white limestone, grey marl, blue marl, and sand combine with a high mineral content that includes significant iron. The vineyard is divided into six distinct micro-parcels, each with its own variation in soil composition and vine age. This internal complexity gives the winemaking team at Roagna the option to vinify parcels separately, capturing the full range of expressions the site can produce.

• Marine sedimentary origin, Helvetian era
• Stratified profile: white limestone, grey marl, blue marl, and sand
• High mineral content including iron
• Six micro-parcels with distinct soil and vine-age variation

Pira carries one of the more distinguished ownership histories in Barolo. The vineyard was originally held by the Falletti family, the noble dynasty whose name is attached to Castiglione Falletto itself and who were instrumental patrons of Barolo in the nineteenth century. A private road connected Pira directly to the Falletti castle, underscoring the estate's importance. The Roagna family acquired and monopolized the vineyard in 1989, and it has remained a single-owner site since. The oldest vines on the property date to 1937, giving Roagna access to fruit from plants with over eight decades of root development in these layered marine soils.

• Originally owned by the noble Falletti family of Castiglione Falletto
• A private road linked the vineyard to the Falletti castle
• Roagna family has held monopole status since 1989
• Oldest vines planted in 1937; production vines range from 25 to 50 years old

Barolo from Pira reflects the classic Castiglione Falletto character: structured and firm, with clear mineral definition alongside the red fruit and secondary aromas typical of Nebbiolo. Expect cherry, leather, licorice, and underbrush on the nose, with a palate defined by firm tannins and the iron-tinged minerality that the Helvetian soils impart. Roagna is known for a traditional approach to winemaking, favoring long maceration times and extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks. Barbera and Chardonnay are also grown on the property alongside Nebbiolo, reflecting the full range of Piedmontese viticulture practiced at this estate.

• Nebbiolo for Barolo DOCG; also Barbera and Chardonnay grown on site
• Traditional winemaking: long maceration, large Slavonian oak aging
• Flavor profile: cherry, leather, licorice, underbrush, firm tannins, mineral finish
• Soil iron content contributes a distinctive mineral character to the wine