G.D. Vajra is a small, artisanal family producer and one of the benchmark modern day producers in Barolo. It all started with Milena and Aldo who began the winery in 1972, producing small quantities of wine from vineyards planted by Aldo’s father in 1947. Their fruit was initially sold to negociants until Aldo bottled his first vintage in 1978, some 30 years later and today, the family has around 40 Ha of vines. The holdings in Bricco delle Viole is the prized vineyard of the estate (and definitely a wine to try!), planted in 1949 by Aldo’s grandfather with other holdings in Barolo commune consisting of Fossati, Coste de Vergne and La Volta and the more recently acquired vineyards in the commune of Sino (just outside Barolo DOCG, next to Serralunga).

The wines are now made by the family's second generation, with Giuseppe in the winemaking driver's seat supported by his siblings; Isidoro and Francesca under the watchful eye of father and founder Aldo and their mother Milena. These are stunning examples of the regional staple varieties, made with one eye on tradition and one on progression.

'Albe' is blended from multiple higher elevation Barolo vineyards with exposures that range from south-south-east to south-west. The grapes are usually picked in the second half of the Nebbiolo harvest. Vinification is made in custom-designed vertical vats, with gentle punch down and pump overs. 

Tasting Note:
Again this year, the Vajra clan have done well creating a wine of charm and fragrance with notes of bright raspberry, cherry, menthol, cinnamon and lavender, rose petal and anise to name a few. The tannins are firm, with a long finish and it’s readily accessible now, but if you have the patience, it has good aging potential to soften and fine.