Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 2023 – G.D. Vajra

The Dolcetto d’Alba DOC G.D. Vajra was picked between September 16th and 24th. As the vineyards are located at high elevation (thus protected from thermal inversion) they allow for a longer hanging period and a full phenolic ripening. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks for up to 20 days with frequent punching down of the cap for maximum extraction of colour and tannin. Racked at least twice prior to malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in stainless-steel tanks before bottling the following Spring.

Historically, Dolcetto was cultivated in prime land, just above Nebbiolo vineyards. Loyal to this approach, the Vajra family keeps farming this variety in places of true vocation. Grapes are sourced from four of the estate’s own vineyards: Coste di Vergne, Fossati and Pascolo in the Barolo region and Ravera in the Novello region. The vines are trained in mixed Guyot system and planting dates range from 1982-2002. The soil is a mix of limestone and marl.Aldo Vaira has grown his lands following organic practices since 1971. After 50 years of organic and sustainable farming, all Vajra vineyards are sustainable and organic certified from 2019 vintage.

Luigi Baduana G.D.Vajra is a small estate with just over four hectares of vineyard, all in the commune of Serralunga d’Alba. Their tiny cellar is situated in the village of Baudana, while their vineyards are primarily in the ‘crus’ of Baudana and the highly regarded Cerretta. After 30 years running the winery, and without heirs to take over the business, Luigi and Fiorina Baudana took the difficult decision to sell. As part of his research, Luigi visited the Vajra winery incognito one day, and was so impressed with the way they dealt with people and communicated their philosophy that he rang Aldo soon afterwards to ask if he would be interested in buying the estate. A deal was soon done, and the Vajra family have run this estate alongside Luigi and Fiorina ever since. The first vintage was 2009 and from then onwards we can see the true expression of the new Luigi Baudana.