2020 G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba

Region: Piedmont, Italy

Grape: Dolcetto

Culinary Suggestions: Antipasto and pasta bolognese

Vineyard Practice: Sustainable and Organic

About

G.D. Vajra - “a world of sublime hand-crafted, artisan wines of the very highest level”, as Antonio Galloni calls it - is run in the second generation by Giuseppe, Isidoro and Francesca Vaira, lovingly overseen by father Aldo and mother Milena. It was Aldo that founded G.D. Vajra, kicking off with a counter-cultural twist by returning to his ancestors’ land in the early ‘70s, when all else were deserting the countryside in droves. That spirit of tradition with an adaptive streak characterises this far-sighted outfit. Indeed, Aldo’s decision to embrace the rogue ‘j’ on the label – a print error that happens to hark back to the pre-1920s spelling of the family name – says a lot about the clan’s capacity to roll with it and nimbly fuse its roots with the future.
Over the years they’ve acquired coveted holdings in their home commune of Barolo as well as Novello, Sinio and Serralunga - this latter home to the stupendous wines they produce under their Luigi Baudana label. 

The family excels with all the Piedmont staples – Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Moscato and the very rare Freisa, as well as Riesling that is far better than it has any right to be. Barolo Albe has made a name for itself as one of the best-value Barolos going, while Bricco delle Viole has cemented a reputation as one of the finest cru Barolo wines, period. At the more everyday level, there’s a wonderful Langhe Rosso, Langhe Nebbiolo and the highly original, intensely drinkable Claré J.C. – a wickedly bright, tank-raised, 25% whole-bunch, nouveau-style Nebb. - Importer Note

Tasting Notes

The 2020 Dolcetto d’Alba is absolutely gorgeous. Bright red berry fruit, spice and floral accents all grace this energetic, vibrant, mid-weight Dolcetto. The Vajra Dolcetto is done entirely in steel. It is as classic as it gets. There’s lovely freshness here. 

90 points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media November 2021

Drink: 2022 - 2028