Vajra Barolo ‘Bricco delle Viole’ 2021

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

Bricco delle Viole is like a cut of silk: pure, elegant, and ethereal. Born on the highest hill of Barolo, a promontory facing south, embraced by the Alps. It receives the first morning sun and the last ray of the evening. In autumn this vineyard seems to float above the fog, as if detached from time and light.

The vineyard features material from 1949 and successive plantings in 1963, 1968 and 1985. Bricco delle Viole possesses extremely white soils. Rich in limestone, magnesium and manganese, with the contribution of high altitude and the afternoon breeze, these soils create wines rich in finesse, floral aromas and freshness.

The old vines of Bricco delle Viole are the last to be harvested – a wait that makes our heart beat faster, because the weather can change rapidly in autumn. But the patience of the farmer knows that the wait will be rewarded with high aromatic complexity and extreme finesse. The fruit undergoes a long maceration that might go as long as 45 days, including some time with a submerged cap. Malolactic conversion takes place in steel in the spring following the harvest. It’s then aged for 32 months in 25hL Slavonian oak casks before bottling.

Giuseppe Vaira

Year after year, Vajra’s range stands head held high amongst the pack from the very start of the range through to the Bricco delle Viole.

This year’s release holds true to this strong form!

Maker! Maker! Make!

Year after year Vajra consistently nails two key components that have been the difference between the good Barolos and the ones with that little something extra (the ones we stock).

1st you’ll see fine long even tannins that flow beautifully.

2nd a core of fruit of depth and length with great shape.

Once again, their 2021 Barolos show the personality of each wine clearly with great definition. Acid / tannin complex in all of the 2021’s is exceptional giving them exceptional balance, seamless harmony and layered textures. As always, the Barolos offer a compelling mix of classicism and contemporary finesse.

We spent a wonderful morning with Eugene Qiao, winemaker and ambassador for Vajra at Wine Decoded HQ exploring her love of Italy and the fabulous wines of GD Vajra.

A Session with Giuseppe

We had the great fortune to spend an afternoon with Guiseppe this year. His passion, and, his families passion, thoughtful, and, humble approach to their work is inspiring.

Listen to 🎧Giusseppe explore the history of Barolo, the estate, and, the wines.

About Vajra

Vajra is one of those producers that, across their range, manages to deliver sophisticated, fun wines that are great expressions of fruit. Thankfully, unlike many, Giuseppe understands restraint and oak!

“I try to make wines that give people joy. In the past wine was a food, it was necessary for sustenance. Today that is not the case, we choose to drink for pleasure. I want to make wines that bring people happiness.” Aldo Vajra

The Vajra family has quietly amassed a serious collection of vineyards that make them one of Piedmont’s larger, family-owned estates, something they have accomplished while maintaining the already high level of their entry-level wines. Every wine in the range is absolutely delicious and full of personality. I can’t recommend these new releases highly enough. Antonio Galloni

The 2021 Vintage at Vajra

2021 vintage is set to provide some world class wines. Despite a frost alert in the spring, and a few violent hailstorms during summer, the season was generally very positive, moderately dry and with late harvests. All grapes have abundance of acidity and good phenolics, and the shortage of nitrogen in the fruit allowed for some of the longest and most gentle fermentations in recent years.

Vajra

Where in the World is Vajra?

You’ll find the Commune of Barolo (a little confusing as the whole region is also called Barolo) in the centre of the map. The Bricco delle Viole vineyards lying to the west of the township of Barolo and Ravera di Barolo to the south. Note there is also a Ravera vineyard in Monforte the commune at the very south of the region.