G.D. Vajra - Langhe Freisa Kyè 2021

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.

In 2004, Freisa was discovered to be the closest relative to Nebbiolo, thus explaining the deep bond this variety has with Piemonte and its people. With a noble profile and similar characteristics to the Nebbiolo, we have been bottling a dry Langhe DOC Freisa ever since 1989. Kyé means ‘who is?’ and represents the surprise for this indigenous and forgotten grape

Estate vineyards, the oldest located in San Ponzio, on the lower west border of Bricco delle Viole. This is the closest vineyard to the winery, and a selezione massale planted by Aldo in 1980.

Freisa is one of the latest varietals to be picked, due to its ripening pattern. Grapes are sorted manually three times: directly on the vine, as whole clusters on the sorting tables, and lastly as single berries after destemming. Fermentation lasts around 15 to 25 days in vertical vats, and is followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation.

Langhe DOC Freisa Kyé is aged for 26 months, mostly in large oak casks. It displays a beautiful, translucent garnet color. The aromatics are a combination of redcurrant and wild mountain berries, layered with a touch of sweet spices, fresh leather, and candied japonica prune. The mouth is juicy, succulent, with lots -yet never hefty- tannins. There is a beautiful structure in this vintage and a lovely, lovely finish.

"The G.D. Vajra 2021 Langhe Freisa Kyè has a delicate bouquet with intertwined berry and floral elements that could recall Japanese cherry blossom or even a Sicilian almond blossom. Beyond that, the wine offers an interlude of fresh blue fruits with elderberry and juniper. It shows terrific freshness and more tart flavors to close." - 92 Points, Robert Parker

"The 2021 Langhe Freisa Kye is redolent of black cherry, herbs, licorice and spice. The Vajra children are picking this fruit 15-20 days earlier than their parents did, a sign of the new generation taking on a more prominent role at the winery. These transitions take time. The old Kye, the wine made my parents Aldo and Milena Vajra, was one the most distinctive wines in Piedmont. This version is good, but not anywhere as distinctive. I am reminded of the old adage: 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'" - 93 Points, Vinous

Producer: G.D. Vajra 

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Freisa

Appellation: Langhe DOC

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml