G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2013

This wine hails from three vineyards named Fossati, Coste di Vergne and La Volta. These are sites of higher altitude and cooler microclimates in the Barolo sub-region, but are vineyards which also use a higher proportion of the rose' subvariety of Nebbiolo (roughly 20%), which contributes immeasurably to its resultant delicate fragrances. Although many producers avoid using this subvariety because of its lack of colour (hence the name), you could say that Vajra prove that at times, less is more. This wine has a black forest density on the nose with hints of pancetta, and with earthy, porcini-like tones to the finish. The tannins glide across the palate and the length is incredibly long. Albe means dawn, which is the artwork on the label.

"Dark raspberry and cherry, spice, dried roses, almost a wet earth/clay sort of smell, which is lovely. Medium bodied, clear clean fruit and acidity, savoury elements of leather and earth, quite a bit of the old ‘minerality’ here, and a fine long finish coated in brick dust tannin. Charming and age-worthy. This is a terrific Albe." 94+ Points - Gary Walsh, Wine Front, June 2017

Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Sub Region: Barolo