Barolo Ravera 2020, G.D. Vajra, 6x750ml

Vendor:Cellar Select

Barolo Ravera 2020, G.D. Vajra, 6x750ml

£384.00

“There’s plenty to like in these new releases from the Vajra family...the wines are gracious and finely sketched, with the personality of each wine clearly defined….as always the Barolos offer a compelling mix of classicism and contemporary finesse” 
Antonio Galloni on the Vaira Family’s 2020 Baroli, vinous.com

Vajra is a large estate, the majority of whose production is focused on interesting indigenous grape varieties - only 600-700 cases of each Barolo are made annually, and whilst they have considered creating a prestige cuvee, they have not yet decided what that should be. They have never chased points, and Giuseppe said they certainly wouldn't be creating a Barolo Riserva, the majority of which are simply made from unsold wine, repackaged and repriced as if it was something better, whilst they rarely, if ever, actually improve the wine! So, for now, the wines are released as straight single vineyards at wonderfully affordable prices.

In 1972, G.D. Vajra was founded by Aldo Vaira, an early pioneer of organic farming in Piemonte. He named the estate in the Barolo commune of Vergne after his father, Giuseppe Domenico Vajra. At fifteen, Aldo was sent off to Barolo by his father after being caught protesting in Turin in May 1968. Spending that summer on his grandparent's farm led him to fall in love with the area and ultimately apply his rebellious spirit to innovative winemaking instead.

Today, the estate practices both organic and sustainable vineyard management, alongside regenerative farming which they’ve embraced for the last 50 years. This approach encourages healthy soils and helps increase the biodiversity of each site. Aldo’s elevated vineyards have given his wines a signature profile, notable for their pristine and well-defined aromas full of freshness. The estate has a total of 60 hectares planted under vine, including 10 hectares of Nebbiolo dedicated to Barolo. Though a traditionalist at heart, Aldo combines historical winemaking techniques with a modern approach, such as temperature-controlled fermentation, to produce his quintessential style.
 
“wines to admire for their balance and seductive appeal more than their power or structure.”
Antonio Galloni on 2020 Baroli, vinous.com
 
“A ballet dancer with muscles”
Jancis Robinson MW on G.D Vajra ‘Bricco delle Viole’ Barolo 2020

THE 2020 VINTAGE


2020 proved to be a remarkable vintage in Piemonte, and one of the longest of the decade. Temperatures were steady during spring and into summer, which resulted in abundant flowering and a healthy vegetative cycle. July saw several episodes of rain which meant that careful management in the vineyards was necessary to minimize any risk of disease. This also resulted in milder temperatures, allowing grapes to spend a longer period on the vines and enabling them to develop beautiful aromatics and varietal authenticity. Vajra call it a very classic vintage, balanced and elegant, showing a good balance between minerality and richness, as per their vintage chart below.

The Wines:

Located on a steep slope, Coste di Rose is one of Barolo’s MGAs. This cru is one of the commune’s best kept secrets as it sits between Cannubi and Bussia, planted on Arenaria Diano, a type of Tortonian sandstone that delivers distinctive floral aromas and salty minerality. The vineyard lies at 310 metres altitude above sea level allowing for a long ripening season. This Barolo is aged on average for 35 months in large Slavonian oak barrels.

The Ravera MGA is recognised as the most important single vineyard in the commune of Novello. The soil in this cru is made up of Tartorian marls alongside sandstones and clays of the Serravalian period. G.D. Vajra’s parcels in the southern amphitheatre, sitting between 320-340 metres above sea level. This Barolo was aged for 30 months in large Slavonian oak barrels.

The historical 4.79-hectare Bricco delle Viole vineyard is perched between 400-480 metres above sea level on fossil marl soils, making it one of the highest and closest vineyards to the Alps in Barolo. Bricco delle Viole translates to ‘Hill of the Violets’, paying tribute to local flora. Vines were first planted in 1949. The high elevation and dramatic diurnal shift offer a long ripening season producing deep, elegant and aromatically complex wines. This vineyard tends to be picked last. On average, this wine is aged for 30 to 42 months in large Slavonian oak barrels.
Duty Status
Duty Status: In Bond
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Case: Original Case

Critic's Scores: 95 JS / 94 AG / 17++ JR

Pack: 6x750ml

Year: 2020

ABV (%):14

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