2022 G.D. Vajra Clare J.C.

Region: Piedmont, Italy 

Grape: Nebbiolo

Pairing: Pizza, Sausages, Spring Rolls, BBQ Meats

Practice: Sustainable, 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

This is one of my favorite go-to wines for informal nights with family and friends. The G.D. Vajra 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo Claré J.C. opens to a lean appearance with bright ruby highlights. It remains true to the grape, in simple or almost transparent terms, with fresh berry fruit, cassis, blue flower and iris. I love the punchy, electric quality of this wine and its streamlined approach. You'll love it too (and love the low shelf price).

93 points - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate August 2023

Drink: 2023 - 2027