Barolo DOCG “Coste di Rose” 2020 – G.D. Vajra

The grapes to produce the Barolo DOCG “Coste di Rose” G.D. Vajra were harvested in the first part of October. Fruit was hand-picked, destemmed and vinified in custom-designed tini. Vinification lasted 55 days, about 20 of which carried under submerged cap. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in the Spring, followed by a long aging in Slavonian casks until the bottling.

Coste di Rose is a Barolo cru (MGA) located in the Comune di Barolo. It is well-located on the top of the hill, at 310 meters above sea level, above a forest, which keeps the vineyard cool. Soil is dominated by Arenaria di Diano, a Tortonian sandstone that delivers distinctive floral aromatics and a salty minerality. This cru is one of Barolo’s best kept secrets, being located right in between Cannubi and Bussia, yet away from the beaten paths.

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.