In a world of perpetual motion, where uniformity is seen as a bad thing, thank goodness that “Roagna non cambia”. Or, as the company’s motto simply states: Roagna doesn’t change. Like many of the great Barolo and Barbaresco producers of Piedmont, Roagna sticks fiercely to tradition, maintaining beliefs instilled in them for decades.“We're not trying to change history here” says Luca Roagna, the fifth generation of Roagnas to work in the family business; “we'd rather contribute to it.” Therefore, when it comes to Piedmont wines, there is traditional, there is timeless and there is Roagna.

The Roagna story begins in the Barbaresco region of Piedmont in the 1880s, with Vincenzo and Rosa and the first bottle of what would go on to be a legend. Moving forward by 40 years to 1929 which saw the purchase of the prized Montefico parcel. Steady growth into historic parcels followed next, culminating in 1989 when Roagna, now being run by Alfredo (Vincenzo’s great grandson) expanded into Barolo with the acquisition of 12-acres in Castiglione Falletto. Bringing in single vineyard vinification, Alfredo continued producing the pure and expressive wine that had become synonymous with the family name. Despite each generation bringing something new to the wines, they all followed their family motto; in fact, so simple is Roagna’s dedication to delivering the best that one click of their (surprisingly modern) website will tell anyone who cares to listen the 10 commandments from which they do not deviate.

Despite being devoted “not changing” Luca, the fifth generation to head the family business has brought in organic farming, although he will not request the certification. “I refuse to use the term "organic" as a way to sell bottles. Anyone who knows us knows our style and our philosophy”.

Roagna produce wines that are built to last. Twenty different crus and xxx bottles are produced from their xxx hectares, the most famous of which is without doubt is the Barbaresco Crichët Pajé. Heavily exported to Asia and the US, European investors would be lucky to find a bottle shy of €600 for early vintages (such as 1982, aggregate score:90). Later Luca driven vintages (such as 2010), which was aged for eight years and thus tasting notes have yet to come out, has an entry price of €650 per bottle in bond. Roagna has three other bottles (Asili Vecchie Viti, Montefico Vecchie Viti and Paje Vecchie Viti) on wine-searcher.com’s 2018 list of Italy’s most expensive wines.