G.D. Vajra - Dolcetto d'Alba 2024

The Vajra family has farmed Bricco delle Viole, the highest cru in Comune di Barolo, since the 1880s. At the young age of fifteen, Aldo Vajra embraced the dream to revive his family legacy. Displaying a vision and commitment belying his young age he took over the estate in 1968, turning a new page. Aldo soon 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). ­

Today, the family has 40 Ha under vine. The estate is steeped in tradition. Barolos are macerated for 20 to 30 days depending on the vintage. Wines are typically matured in large neutral Slavonian casks. The holdings in Bricco delle Viole are the prized vineyards of the estate, planted in 1949 by Aldo’s grandfather. It’s a very fresh terroir with open exposure and breezy conditions. Holdings in Barolo commune are: Fossati, Coste de Vergne and La Volta. Recently acquired vineyards in the commune of Sino (just outside Barolo DOCG, next to Serralunga) make a gorgeous Langhe Nebbiolo. 

High elevation vineyards are a unique factor to Vajra wines, allowing them to express finesse and remarkable complexity over simple power. Attention to detail and humility toward nature, uncompromised efforts and humanity, these are the ideals of the Vajra family: Aldo and Milena, now joined by their children Giuseppe, Francesca and Isidoro, and by an amazing team of young professionals. G.D. Vajra is an independent winery, entirely family-owned.

Dolcetto is picked in the first half of September. As vineyards are located at high elevation, protected from thermal inversion that affects north slopes and the valley floors, they allow for a longer hanging period and a full phenolic ripening. A gentle vinification usually lasts up to 15 days, with a couple of punch-downs per day. Wine is racked at least twice prior to malolactic fermentation, which takes place in stainless-steel vats.

Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba sees a minimum aging period, in stainless-steel only, and is bottled in Spring following harvest.

“Pop rocks meet purple plums in this electric Dolcetto that refuses to sit still. Violets and damson fruits burst from the glass with teenage energy, while the palate crackles with fresh blackberries and bright acidity. It's the kind of wine that makes you wish all serious things could be this much fun.” - 93 Points, Wine Enthusiast 

Producer: G.D. Vajra 

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Dolcetto

Appellation: Dolcetto d'Alba

Vintage: 2024

Size: 750ml