G.D. Vajra, Barolo `Ravera
Country: Italy Region: Piemonte Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Nebiolo Category: Red Wine Color: Red
Producer: G.D. Vajra
"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. Aldo has been gradually increasing the area under vine to 60 hectares, of which 10 are Nebbiolo for Barolo, located in such outstanding sites as Bricco delle Viole, Ravera, Fossati, La Volta and Coste di Vergne. A traditionalist, Aldo adheres to old-style winemaking methods, such as long ageing in barrel for his Barolo, but combines this with new techniques, such as a judicious use of oak, to produce superbly elegant wines.
This elegance, aligned with a vibrancy and depth derived from exemplary viticulture, gives wines of wonderful varietal character. His Barbera, scented, balanced and lively, is a classic, while his Dolcetto shows all the positive characteristics - but none of the negatives - of this difficult variety. His Langhe Nebbiolo is a classically defined example of this variety that is unusually drinkable at such an early stage. The Barolo 'Le Albe' offers superb value and is ideal for early drinking, while Aldo's masterpiece, the single vineyard 'Bricco delle Viole', is intense and elegant - a Chambolle to Massolino's Gevrey style wines. The rising star is the Barolo from Ravera. It is darker and more brooding than the Bricco dell Viole, but displays the hallmark elegance of a Vajra wine."
Product Features: Sustainable;Vegan;Vegetarian
Winemaker: Aldo Vaira
Vineyards:
Ravera is a cru located in the southwest quadrant of the Barolo zone. The vineyard runs north to south across Commune of Barolo and Novello. The soil here is a mix of clay and sand, especially rich in iron, uncompacted, with good permeability and drainage. This translates into a very vibrant yet dense wine that promises an evolution over time. The vineyard has been farmed since 2001 but produced Langhe Nebbiolo until 2008. Today it gives us a Barolo with fine aromas, sapid flavour and great complexity.
Vinification:
Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at temperatures up to 31°C and lasted four weeks, with regular pumping over. The wine was then matured for 42-48 months in Slavonian oak barrels.
Tasting Notes:
Opening with a nose of blueberries and blackcurrants, it then develops with hints of iron and bitter orange zest. The palate is rich with cassis and blackberries, mineral characters and tense tannins, all coming together on a spicy, peppery finish with incense notes.
Closure: Natural Cork ABV:14.5% Acidity [g/l]: 5.38
