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Must-See Châteaux |
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G.D. Vajra is one of Piedmont’s most admired wine estates, based in Vergne, the highest hamlet in the village of Barolo. A pioneer of organic farming as early as 1971, this family estate grows Nebbiolo in prestigious crus such as Bricco delle Viole, Ravera and Coste di Rose, as well as Barbera, Dolcetto, Freisa, Pinot Noir, Moscato and even Riesling, a rarity in the region. Since 2009, the family has also managed Domaine Luigi Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba. Renowned for their elegance, finesse and freshness, G.D. Vajra wines are sought after worldwide.
The story of G.D. Vajra begins with love at first sight. In the late 1960s, young Aldo Vaira, born in Turin, is sent to spend a summer with his grandparents in the Barolo region. The experience is so profound that he decides to devote his life to the vine. In 1972, while still a minor, he establishes the estate in Vergne with the help of his father, Giuseppe Domenico, whose initials give G.D. Vajra its name. In doing so, he revives a family winemaking tradition dating back to the early 20th century.
The early years are demanding: Aldo teaches viticulture at the University of Alba by day and works at the estate in the evenings and on weekends with his wife, Milena. As early as 1971, the estate receives one of the region’s first organic certifications, long before the practice becomes widespread. Over the decades, the property grows to around forty hectares and comes to include some of the appellation’s finest crus. Today, their children Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro carry on the family’s work, supported by their parents.
The vineyard extends over some forty hectares in the Langhe, around twenty of them devoted to Barolo in renowned crus such as Bricco delle Viole, Fossati, La Volta, Coste di Vergne, Ravera, and Coste di Rose. Vergne’s location, at the highest elevation in the commune of Barolo—between 350 and 400 meters—provides a longer ripening cycle that gives the wines freshness, balance, and silky tannins.
Beyond Nebbiolo, the region’s leading grape, the estate grows Dolcetto, Barbera, Freisa, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Moscato, all from massal selections and cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles. Domaine Luigi Baudana, entrusted to the Vajra family in 2009, also adds superb plots in Serralunga d’Alba, including the Baudana and Cerretta crus, on limestone soils suited to more powerful Barolos.
G.D. Vajra’s approach in the cellar favors elegance and purity over heavy use of new oak. To achieve greater balance, the family allows the grapes to ripen fully and favors long maceration and aging periods. The great Barolos macerate for several weeks, then age for around twenty-six months in large Slavonian oak casks, which preserve the fruit and the character of the terroir.
Each plot and cru is vinified separately to reveal its individual character. The estate also stands out for its interest in history, reviving forgotten styles such as Claré J.C., a Nebbiolo made partly from whole clusters and inspired by 17th-century practices, reflecting a deep respect for Piedmontese tradition.
Barolo Bricco delle Viole: the flagship cuvée from the highest cru in the commune of Barolo. Renowned for its finesse, grace, and elegance, it is a Barolo of subtlety rather than power, with great aging potential.
Barolo Ravera: a distinctive grand cru first produced in 2010. Deep and structured, it brings together red fruit, spice, and floral notes with remarkable precision.
Barolo Coste di Rose: a cru produced since 2015, shaped by sandy soils that lend aromatic finesse and delicacy to its fragrant, refined style.
Barolo Albe: a blended Barolo from several plots, including Fossati, La Volta, and Coste, offering unbeatable value and an excellent introduction to the estate’s style.
Barolo Baudana: a Barolo from Domaine Luigi Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba, sourced from the cru of the same name and combining the power and depth typical of this limestone terroir.
Barolo Cerretta: a second great Serralunga cru under the Baudana label, flavorful and structured, made for long aging.
Langhe Nebbiolo: a bright, pure, youthful entry-level Nebbiolo, the perfect introduction to the estate’s great Barolos.
Langhe Nebbiolo Claré J.C.: a light, refreshing Nebbiolo made partly from whole clusters in a forgotten Piedmontese claret style, lively and easy-drinking.
Barbera d’Alba: a fruity, balanced Barbera made from organically grown grapes and vinified with the same long-maceration philosophy as the great wines.
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Viola delle Viole: a superior selection of Barbera, more concentrated and deeper, with dense fruit and a long finish.
Piemonte Barbera Freisa: an original blend of Barbera and Freisa inspired by an old bottle found in the family cellar; expressive and distinctive.
Langhe Freisa Kyè: a signature cuvée celebrating the rare native Freisa grape, sourced from the San Ponzio vineyard and strongly expressive of its origins.
Langhe Pinot Nero: a fine, delicate Piedmontese interpretation of Pinot Noir that elegantly broadens the estate’s range.
Dolcetto d’Alba: a generous, juicy Dolcetto regularly regarded as one of Piedmont’s finest, best enjoyed young.
Dolcetto d’Alba Coste & Fossati: a single-vineyard selection of Dolcetto from Barolo crus, richer and more complex, with notes of black fruit and spice.
Langhe Rosso: an approachable red made for sharing and immediate enjoyment while expressing the estate’s signature style.
Langhe Riesling Pétracine: Piedmont’s first Riesling, from the estate’s coolest, most limestone-rich sites; lively, taut, and mineral.
Dragon: a fresh, aromatic white blend from Domaine Luigi Baudana, combining several grape varieties, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Nascetta.
Rosabella: a soft, fruity rosé, pleasant and refreshing, perfect for sharing with friends.
N.S. della Neve: a fine, elegant extra-brut sparkling rosé made from Nebbiolo using the traditional method.
Moscato d’Asti: a sweet, lightly sparkling white made from Moscato, with floral and fruity aromas; light and fragrant.
Barolo Chinato: a Piedmontese specialty made with Barolo flavored with bark and spices, perfect as a digestif and a testament to the estate’s longstanding expertise.
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