G.D. Vajra Barolo DOCG Bricco delle Viole 2018

Vajra has been farming organically for more than fifty years, since Aldo Vajra made the switch as a young winemaker in 1971. Of the family’s historical Barolo vineyards, Bricco delle Viole (“hill of violets”) sits at the highest elevation. With vines dating back to 1931 and advantageous southern exposure, this vineyard yields beautifully aromatic and mineral expressions of nebbiolo. The higher elevation and good ventilation of the site also places Bricco delle Viole in a good position to make the most of warm vintages such as 2018. After careful sorting and destemming of the grapes, gentle punch-downs and a long maceration, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in stainless steel and aged for up to 42 months in large Slavonian casks. Restrained and complex, floral and spicy, this is an elegant Barolo ready to drink today, though it will only improve over the next few years. Organically grown.