2018 G.D. Vajra "Bricco delle Viole" Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

Bricco delle Viole was picked starting October 7th. Grapes are sorted manually three times: directly on the vine, as whole clusters on the sorting tables, and lastly as single berries after destemming. Vinification is made in custom-designed vertical tini, with gentle punch down and rinsing of the cap. Maceration lasted 50 days, including cappello sommerso (submerged cap) for 15 to 20 days. Malolactic in stainless steel, the following spring.

Aging is very specific according to the vintage, and may last between 30 and 42 months. Bricco delle Viole is aged in large Slavonian casks, ranging from 25 to 50 hectoliters. Two rackings usually occur in the first and second summer of the aging.

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.