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G.D. Vajra
Aldo Vajra’s wines are characterised by pristine flavours and clearly defined perfumes...
These characters are attributable to the position of his vineyards at about 400 metres above sea level in the village of Vergne in the commune of Barolo. G.D. Vajra was established in 1972 and named after Aldo’s father, Giuseppe Domenico. Aldo has been gradually increasing the area under vine to 40 hectares, of which 10 are Nebbiolo for Barolo, located in such strategic spots as Bricco delle Viole, Fossati, La Volta and Coste di Vergne. A traditionalist, Aldo adheres to old-style winemaking methods, though blends these with new techniques, such as temperature controlled fermentation, to produce such superbly elegant wines.
Vineyards
This wine is made from Freisa grapes which are grown on the 2.25 hectare southfacing San Ponzio Vineyard, in the Comune of Barolo. The vineyard has an elevation of between 390-410 metres above sea level, a clay rich soil and an assortment of vines selected by Aldo Vajra from an old vineyard planted by his grandfather. Vajra has always believed in sustainable farming and keeps the turf natural and green in the vineyard. No irrigation is used while thinning is decided according to the vintage. Grapes were hand-harvested in the second half of October.
Vintage information
Winter snows that in parts of the Langhe were two metres deep topped up the water level and ensured that the vines weren’t stressed by the dry, hot summer that followed. Spring was relatively wet, causing some soil erosion and small mudslides in the Barolo zone. May and June were hot and dry. These conditions, along with the water reserves laid down in the winter, ensured a quick and perfect fruit set, which accounts for the good yields. The canopies were completed by the end of July, and ripening proceeded apace. In August sugar levels were about two weeks ahead of the average, but phenolic ripeness was slower and more regular, and was helped by the warm days and cool nights of September and October. Light rain at the beginning of September gave the vines the drink they needed, and brought the crop to maturity.
Vinification
Fermentation lasted approximately two weeks, at temperatures no higher than 28-30ºC. Malolactic fermentation is allowed to take place. The wine spent 12-18 months in both barriques and large Slovenian oak barrels.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red colour. Perfumes of red berries, tobacco, roses, and white pepper with hints of hay and wild herbs. Full bodied with balanced acidity and alcohol, this wine is flavoursome and rich with black fruits and spice on the long finish.
Vintage information
| Vintage | 2009 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Freisa |
| Region | Langhe, Piemonte |
| Winemaker | Aldo Vajra |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 14.5% |
| Acidity | 5.77g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 2.2g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.48 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.