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G. D. VAJRA Albe Barolo
G. D. VAJRA Albe Barolo
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$67.00 USD
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The 2022 Barolo “Albe” from G.D. Vajra is a beautifully crafted expression of Nebbiolo from the Barolo DOCG in Piedmont, Italy, produced by the Vajra family, who have been stewards of this land since the 1880s. Sourced from three high-elevation vineyards—Fossati, La Volta, and Coste di Vergne—near the village of Vergne in the Barolo commune, this wine reflects the unique terroir of slopes ranging from 380 to 480 meters above sea level. These sites, perched just southwest of Alba, boast varied exposures (south-south-east to south-west) and benefit from cooling altitude and long sunlight hours, fostering Nebbiolo’s signature balance of power and elegance. “Albe,” meaning “dawns” in Italian, pays homage to the three distinct sunrises that grace these hills, a poetic touchstone for the wine’s identity.
The 2022 vintage in Barolo was shaped by a notably hot and dry growing season, one of Piedmont’s warmest in recent memory. A dry winter gave way to a scorching summer, testing the vines, but Vajra’s organic practices (certified since 2019) and high-altitude vineyards mitigated the extremes. Grass cover, biodiversity, and careful viticulture preserved freshness, with harvest likely occurring in late September to early October to capture ripe yet vibrant grapes. In the winery, the approach is traditional and restrained: hand-harvested Nebbiolo ferments spontaneously with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks, undergoing a maceration of about 20-30 days to draw out color, flavor, and fine tannins. Aging unfolds in large Slavonian oak casks (25-50 hectoliters) for approximately 24-30 months, refining the wine without masking its character. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it sits at around 14% alcohol.
In the glass, the 2022 Barolo Albe reveals a bright ruby core with garnet edges, a youthful Nebbiolo hallmark. The nose offers a lively mix of red cherry, raspberry, and rose petals—Vajra’s floral finesse shines here—accented by hints of ripe red plum or dried strawberry from the warm vintage. Expect secondary notes of spice (anise, clove) and a mineral streak, like chalk or damp earth, tied to the Sant’Agata marl soils. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, with a juicy fruit core lifted by zesty acidity and framed by fine, powdery tannins that grip without aggression. The finish is savory and lingering, with a touch of warmth and minerality. Compared to cooler years, the 2022 may feel a bit plusher, but Vajra’s highland touch keeps it poised. It’s built for earlier enjoyment than their single-vineyard Barolos—decant it if drinking soon (2025-2026), with a sweet spot likely from 2028-2035.
