Roagna Langhe Nebbiolo | 2019

No, this really is my favorite Langhe Rosso. I remember when I first tried these wines when I lived in San Francisco, and Roagna was still under-the-radar. I had never tasted an "entry-level" Nebbiolo with so much swagger. I was hooked. Practically equal parts Barolo and Barbaresco, from Pira and Pajè Crus, along with younger vines from other parcels, Luca Roagna's Langhe bottling experiences the same five-year aging regime as his more expensive wines. With crazy long macerations, native yeasts, no temperature control, and patient aging in large neutral botti, you'd think that these wines would be exclusively for the long-haul, but they're not. They are wildly expressive and soul-filling in their youth. The Langhe Rosso will be much more expensive when it hits our shelves (hint!) I've already put myself down for two. I suggest you do the same. ~Allegra A