Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
A limited selection from the oldest vines in Pajé, a historic Roagna vineyard in the centre of Barbaresco that has belonged to the family since 1953. The site forms a natural amphitheatre at an average altitude of 230 m, with south and south-west exposure. Surrounding hills shelter it from winds, while its opening towards the Tanaro valley moderates winter cold and summer heat.
The soil consists of calcareous marl with abundant active limestone. It is of Tertiary marine-sedimentary origin and formed around 70 million years ago. Pajé has the highest limestone concentration among the family's historic vineyards.
Grapes
Nebbiolo from a 1.83 ha portion of Pajé. Dolcetto also grows in the vineyard's lower sector, but this wine is identified with the site's old Nebbiolo vines.
Ageing
The collection averages five years in wood and concrete. Pajé can require from 4–5 years to more than 10 years of maturation in particular vintages, including time in large oak casks. The casks are handmade, with staves bent by steam rather than toasted, and the wood is seasoned for up to ten years. The wine is bottled in summer after reaching maturity. Extended ageing produces natural clarity, so filtration and fining are unnecessary.
Technical data
Annual production is limited to approximately 2,000–3,000 bottles; the exact total is printed on the label.
Tasting profile
Purity, structure and complexity define the site's stylistic expression.
Label / history
Pajé derives from the Piedmontese dialect and was historically used to name the area's individual vineyards. The Vecchie Viti selection began with the 2007 vintage.
