January in the vineyard and the word “Pichemej”: a new beginning between tradition and identity
With the new year, it’s time to look back—and at the same time set off again with renewed enthusiasm. The 2025 harvest came to a close with great satisfaction: healthy grapes, perfectly ripe, and a balance that rewarded the work of an entire season. Barolo, Barbaresco, and Nebbiolo were able to express their elegance at its best, while aromatic white wines brought freshness and new nuances—like a story that never stops surprising.
In the vineyard, January is the month of pruning: an ancient, skilled gesture, carried out by hands that know the vine and follow it through its winter rest. The winegrower observes the canes, carefully choosing what to keep and what to remove, preparing the vine for the new growing cycle. It’s slow work—at times silent—but rich with meaning.
“Pichemej”: the word that tells who we are
Each year we choose a common thread to guide our story. In 2026, we want to give a voice to words in the Piedmontese dialect—words that risk being lost, yet hold our truest identity. We begin with “Pichemej”, which in our dialect means more than better. It is also the name of one of our most representative Barolos, born from the union of two areas—La Morra and Castiglione Falletto—and from Grandpa Carlo’s intuition.
Barolo Pichemej wasn’t just “good”: it was the symbol of a challenge—a difficult yet authentic wine, destined to tell its story over the years. Every time we speak about it, it brings a smile to our faces and reminds us why we do this work: to preserve memory, one harvest at a time.
A new year between memory and the future, at Agricola Marrone
In 2026, we will continue to work with the same passion and dedication as always, enhancing every single bottle and every row of vines. We invite you to follow us month after month, to discover new expressions of the Langhe dialect—small linguistic treasures that speak of country life, conviviality, and wine. And if you’d like to breathe in this story up close, come visit us at our winery in La Morra: every tasting becomes a journey through words, aromas, and traditions that stand the test of time.