Roagna, Barolo Pira Vv other_regions The palate is still unyielding

The palate is still unyielding

which displays pronounced undergrowth and sage-like aromas but is not quite endowed with the energy of the excellent Saint-Juliens

40% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah that spent 16 months in equal parts concrete tanks and smaller barrels

if not complexity

Roagna, Barolo Pira Vv other_regions The palate is still unyieldingThe 2011 Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti is deep, powerful and inviting, even with all of its forbidding tannin. In this vintage, the two Barolos are quite different. The straight Pira is quite delicate, while the Vecchie Viti is all muscle, brawn and old style classicism. Dark stone fruit, graphite, smoke, licorice, sage, menthol and dark spices shape the huge finish. This is an unusual 2011 that needs cellaring. Antonio Galloni