Roagna “Pira Vecchie Viti” Barolo DOCG 2016
December in Sacramento is one of our favorite times of year to enjoy Italian wine. The evenings get cooler, our kitchen leans into richer seasonal ingredients, and guests come to Allora looking for something comforting, celebratory, and a little special.
For our featured wine of the month, we chose a bottle that reflects both the season and Allora’s philosophy of care and quality: Roagna’s Pira Vecchie Viti Barolo DOCG 2016, an iconic expression of Italian winemaking from the historic village of Castiglione Falletto in Piedmont.
Before you assume Barolo takes decades in the bottle before it’s approachable, let me reassure you, the 2016 vintage was near perfection and drinking exceptionally well. The heart of our wine program at Allora is sharing world-class bottles in a way that feels warm, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.
Why We Chose This Wine
We love Barolo at Allora, it’s one of the most expressive and iconic Italian red wines you can experience. Roagna is widely considered one of the leading producers in the Barolo DOCG. Their farming standards make them true stewards of the land, opting out of methods such as synthetic fertilization and choosing instead organic practices that promote biodiversity. Their commitment to regenerative farming proves them to be a leader in their region.
The Pira vineyard, a cru Roagna has farmed since 1989, is home to Nebbiolo plantings dating back to 1937. Old vines give naturally low yields and concentration, resulting in a wine that is:
- Ethereal and perfumed
- Elegant yet structured
- High-toned with bright acidity
- A true reflection of Barolo’s terroir
A wine that reminds us why Barolo is often called “The wine of kings and the king of wines.”
What Makes It Stand Out
Piedmont, especially the rolling hills of the Langhe — is one of the world’s most treasured wine regions. The culture, food, and wine from this area have shaped Italian culinary history for centuries.
This 2016 Barolo is beautifully layered with aromas of Morello cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, rosehips, blood orange, and sandalwood. You’ll also find subtle notes of crushed rock, leather, and that signature Nebbiolo earthiness often described as tar. It’s powerful without being heavy, and elegant without being delicate — exactly the kind of wine we love to share at one of Sacramento’s best wine restaurants.
Perfect Pairings With Allora’s Menu
Barolo truly shines with seasonal winter fare, which makes it perfect for December dining at Allora.
It pairs beautifully with:
- Carne cruda
- Beet carpaccio
- Parmesan risotto (especially with shaved truffles)
- Cavatelli
- Aged cheeses, mushrooms, chestnuts, hazelnuts, caramelized onions
Piedmont is home to some of the most celebrated culinary traditions — from the Alba white truffle to rich pastas like tajarin and agnolotti del plin. Pairing Italian wines with local seasonal produce is part of what makes Allora’s menu so special.
Seasonality & Collaboration
At Allora, our approach to wine pairing is grounded in seasonality and close collaboration between our talented chefs and sommeliers. As winter dishes become richer, our wine selections become bolder and more powerful to complement and refine our cuisine. Barolo’s natural structure and acidity are exactly what December cuisine calls for.
This is also the time of year guests begin asking for recommendations for holiday dinners, wine gifts, and special occasions. If you’re searching for one of the best Italian wines for the holidays or a memorable wine dinner in Sacramento, this Barolo is an excellent place to start.
How to Enjoy It
- Serve slightly cool: 50–55°F
- Use a Burgundy glass to open the aromatics
- Decanting? Optional. I prefer to let Nebbiolo evolve naturally in the glass.
- Aging: This wine has outstanding potential if you choose to cellar it
Whether you love Piedmont wines or are new to Barolo, this 2016 is a beautiful introduction to the style. The vintage is considered classic, and would be a great representation of how great terroir and winemaking come together to create pure magic.
A Personal Note
One of the great joys of being a sommelier in Sacramento is helping guests discover wines they never expected to love. Pouring Roagna’s Barolo for someone who typically orders Burgundy, Rioja, or California Cabernet, and watching their eyes light up, is a joy I never stop appreciating.
This bottle represents everything we want our wine program to be: thoughtful, sustainable, historically rooted, and deeply enjoyable. Sharing it with our guests in the heart of East Sacramento is an honor.
Join Us This December
If you’re joining us this month, ask about the Roagna Pira Vecchie Viti Barolo. Whether you’re exploring Italian wine, planning a holiday celebration, or simply enjoying a winter meal, we’d love to share this special wine with you.
From our table to yours — cheers to a beautiful December in Sacramento.
