Barolo DOCG “Bricco delle Viole” 2020 – G.D. Vajra (1,5L)

To produce the Barolo DOCG “Bricco delle Viole” G.D. Vajra, before fermentation, the grapes were sorted three times: once directly on the vine, then again as whole clusters on the sorting table and finally as single berries after destemming. Fermentation took place in custom designed vertical tini, with gentle punch down and rinsing of the cap, followed by an extensive period of maceration under submerged cap. Malolactic fermentation took place the following spring in stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged in large Slavonian casks, mostly 25 and 50HL for 25 months.  

The “Bricco delle Viole” vineyard is located at an altitude of 400-480 metres above sea level in the commune of Barolo and covers 4.79 hectares. Here, the soil is pure Marne of Sant’Agata fossili. It is one of the highest vineyards in Barolo, meaning it sits above the fog and enjoys the earliest sunrise and latest sunset in the area. Some of the vines were first planted in 1949 and yield less than 30 hectolitres per hectare. The high altitude and long ripening season gives these wines an aromatic complexity and richness that is lacking in lower vineyards.

Aldo Vaira’s wines are characterised by pristine flavours and clearly defined perfumes. These characters are attributable to the position of his vineyards at about 400 metres above sea level in the village of Vergne in the commune of Barolo. G.D. Vajra was established in 1972 and named after Aldo’s father, Giuseppe Domenico Vajra. Aldo has been gradually increasing the area under vine to 60 hectares, of which 10 are Nebbiolo for Barolo, located in such strategic spots as Bricco delle Viole, Fossati, La Volta and Coste di Vergne. A traditionalist, Aldo adheres to old-style winemaking methods, though blends these with new techniques, such as temperature-controlled fermentation, to produce such superbly elegant wines.