2023 G.D. Vajra "Claré J.C." Nebbiolo, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

Claré JC is a unique wine, Vajra's take on the forgotten days of Nebbiolo, when it was enjoyed in its lighter and fresher garment. The winemaking protocol follows the 1606 writings of G.B. Croce, jeweler of the House of Savoia: the wine is bottled soon after the fermentation so as to retain a gentle off-dry finish and a lovely energy. Sourced from younger Nebbiolo vines. Fruit was picked between September 27th and October 6th. Approximately one fifth of the fruit was whole cluster fermented. After a short maceration, the wine was racked to finish fermentation off the skins so to preserve some natural freshness. Very short aging in a close stainless steel vat prior to bottling on February 2nd, 2024.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The Vajra family has farmed Bricco delle Viole, the highest cru in Comune di Barolo, since the 1880s.

Aldo Vajra acquired the first organic certification of the region (1971), created private biotype selections (selezioni massali) of Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, pioneered the renaissance of Freisa, a noble yet forgotten local grape (1980) and the cultivation of Rhine Riesling in Piemonte (1985). When Aldo met Milena, who shared the same love for farming, a romance blossomed turning into the wonderful bouquet that the Vajra family represent.

High elevation vineyards are a unique factor to the Vajra wines, for their ability to express finesse and remarkable complexity over power. Dolcetto Coste & Fossati and Barbera d’Alba Superiore are a testament of the Vajras’ love for each grape, thus allocating top vineyards for these amazing native varietals.

Attention to detail and humility towards nature, un-compromised efforts and humanity: so are Aldo and Milena, now joined by their energetic children Giuseppe, Francesca and Isidoro, and by an amazing team of young professionals, in their quest for an authentic expression of their land into the wines.

G.D. Vajra is an independent winery, entirely family-owned.