Gd Vajra Barolo ‘Albe’ 2016
G.D. Vajra
Working with high-altitude vineyards the road can be both arduous and stunningly beautiful, that lead us to wines where finesse and perfumes blend into one. Say hello to the wines of G.D. Vajra.
From the Bricco delle Viole sub region of Barolo, this vineyard has been shaped gently over many years; swinging to the south, visible from several kilometres away. “On certain autumn days it seems to emerge like a promontory out of a sea of fog. Here the sun does not encounter obstacles. It rises early to the east and gives energy to the vineyards until the end of the day, when it sets in the west over the Alps.” A picturesque scene in the Italian countryside, the purity of the light here is balanced by the influence of the Alps and the proximity to the Tanaro river. These geographical features creates accentuated thermal changes, able to ripen the fruit slowly to perfection, preserving it from excessive heat and allowing the concentration of noble and delicate aromas such as violet, orange zest and star anise.
“This for us is a road, an inspiration, a vocation. In each vineyard we are looking for unique characters and personalities, but in all of them we search for this note of ethereal beauty, like a sweetly whispered poem.”
SKU
GVBA201612 UCAU
$107.99
Per item
Price:
Albe is a tribute to the masters of the 1950s and 60s, to those winemakers who had the vision and the taste to blend some of the most amazing crus in order to achieve a Barolo of balance and charm. The high-elevation vineyards for Barolo Albe have an exposure ranging from south-south-east to south-west. The grapes are usually picked in the second half of the Nebbiolo harvest. Vinification is made in custom-designed vertical vats, with gentle punch down and pumpovers. Maceration lasts 25 days on average. Malolactic conversion occurs in stainless steel the following spring. Albe rests on average between 30 and 36 months in large (40, 50 and 75hL) Slavonian oak casks. The wine is usually racked once a year. Blending is decided in the spring prior to bottling.
Albe is a tribute to the masters of the 1950s and 60s, to those winemakers who had the vision and the taste to blend some of the most amazing crus in order to achieve a Barolo of balance and charm. The high-elevation vineyards for Barolo Albe have an exposure ranging from south-south-east to south-west. The grapes are usually picked in the second half of the Nebbiolo harvest. Vinification is made in custom-designed vertical vats, with gentle punch down and pumpovers. Maceration lasts 25 days on average. Malolactic conversion occurs in stainless steel the following spring. Albe rests on average between 30 and 36 months in large (40, 50 and 75hL) Slavonian oak casks. The wine is usually racked once a year. Blending is decided in the spring prior to bottling.
Scores & Reviews
94 / 100
Monica Larner
If you were to consider the entire portfolio of wines made in the Barolo appellation, this wine always stands in its own little corner. Albe is a brand on its own, and it represents one of the most versatile, accessible and well-priced Baroli to emerge from the appellation. The G.D. Vajra 2016 Barolo Albe sets off on the right foot, offering forthcoming intensity with forest fruit, wild cherry, crushed stone and blue flowers. Winemaking is straightforward in stainless steel, and the wine finishes in Slavonian oak casks.
94+ / 100
Gary Walsh
Red cherry, raspberry, roses, almond biscotti, mint and exotic spices. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and bright in red fruit flavour, but with a savoury tobacco and dried herb edge. Tannin is firm, with a fine chalk dust texture, and clean acidity drives it along so nicely. Finish is firm and long, with a pretty perfume as it goes. Charming, yet serious. It’s a really good release.