G.D. Vajra N.S. Della Neve Extra Brut Rosé NV
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Retail: $33.95 | Sale: $30.55
In 1787 Thomas Jefferson, the ambassador to France at the time, came to Italy to study the farming of rice. Stopping in Turin he tasted Nebbiolo for the first time. Giving us one of the most authoritative testimonies about the taste of the time, he describes this wine as “about as sweet as the silky Madeira, as astringent on the palate as Bordeaux, and as brisk as Champagne.” This Metodo Classico embraces this ancient and forgotten history. This wine takes its name from the small chapel that is situated on the slopes of the vineyard, dedicated to “Nostra Signora Della Neve” - Roddino: the etymological origin of the name of this village refers to the Latin “randus” which means “barren soil”. This explains the effort with which this vines have to cope every year in order to give us this beautiful fruits. A fragrant sparkling wine, unveiling in the nose and palate the decisive character of the Nebbiolo and the gentle elegance of Pinot Noir. Fresh personality and an important structure, ideally served as aperitif paired with raw fish and cold cuts, and continues to surprise also together with the following courses.
Nebbiolo | Pinot Noir
G.D. Vajra Luigi Baudana Dragon Langhe Bianco 2020
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.95
Dragon is a unique white blend from the Langhe. Originally produced by Luigi Baudana during the 1980s with Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc, it has evolved to embrace Nascetta, the most exciting white heirloom varietal of the Langhe, and a tiny amount of Riesling. It opens to fresh fruit aromas such as kiwi, lime and pear. Hints of minerality like flint and sea stones complete the elegant bouquet. The palate is citrusy whit flavors of orchard fruit, macerated elder flower and candied orange peel that shine through the fresh and vibrant acidity. Drinkable and accessible.
Chardonnay | Sauvignon Blanc | Riesling | Nascetta
G.D. Vajra Barbera D'Alba Superiore 2017
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Retail: $39.95 | Sale: $35.95
The Barbera d’Alba DOC Superiore is a tribute to the Barbera planted by the great-grandfather Carlo (Carlin) Vaira in 1949. Those deeply rooted vines produce the most tasteful berries and a
wine of energy, intensity and elegance at the same time. 2017 was a spectacular vintage for Barbera: this is a wine full of personality, with a terrific depth and aging potential. The nose is generous and layered and opens up to a symposium of blackberries and fresh plum, enriched by aromas of incense, licorice and cocoa beans. The palate is round and juicy. The generosity of the fruits is balanced by a vibrant acidity and a very long, persistent finish. A succulent wine.
100% Barbera
G.D. Vajra Langhe Pinot Nero 2018
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Retail: $29.95 | Sale: $26.95
In 1971, Aldo Vaira was one of the earliest adopters of organic farming in Piemonte. Vineyards have been nurtured and soil preserved by grassing and cover crop for almost 50 years now. With an incredible ratio of manual work per hectare, farming at Vajra is a labor of love and “recipe free” attention. Intense research is also placed into monitoring and improving the biodiversity of both flora and fauna not just in the vineyards, but also in the winery fields and forests. In 1999, Aldo requested permission to plant Nebbiolo at the top of Bricco. It was years before ‘climate change’ would become an evidence, and such authorization was denied. That constraint turned into the possibility to actually experiment with Pinot nero. With an authentic expression of this variety in this terroir, this wine has its own identity. A complex bouquet of aromas ranging from dark red fruits recognizable in marasca cherries, to violet flowers and delicate vegetals. This structure is accompanied by strong and noble tannings.
100% Pinot Noir
G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco Delle Viole 2017
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Retail: $89.95 | Sale: $80.95
Among the historical vineyards of Barolo, Bricco delle Viole is the highest and the closest to the Alps. It rises from 400 to 480 meters above sea level, on the Western ridge of the village. Its name, “Hill of Violets”, originates from the flowers that blossom early here due to the perfect south exposure. Up above the fogs, Bricco delle Viole enjoys the earliest sunrise and the last sunset every day. Thanks to its vines dating back to 1949, a dramatic diurnal temperature range and this pure light, Bricco delle Viole generates a sophisticated and profound Barolo DOCG of bright aromatics, chiseled tannins and subtle minerality. 2017 is a vintage that shows many nuances of this vineyard: the wine is incredibly layered yet defined by a core of aerial elements, still youthful and introverted yet disclosing a beautiful harmony.
100% Nebbiolo
G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera 2017
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Retail: $89.95 | Sale: $80.95
Ravera is the most important single vineyard in Comune di Novello. It grows on a very complex underground where marls of Tortonian origin mix with sandstones and clays of the Serravallian
period. Our parcels are located in the most southern amphitheater, between 320 and 340 meters asl. This is a terroir that delivers bright aromatics and unrestrained power. The aromatics of 2017 Barolo Ravera are an intricacy of red tones, with cherry, rose petals, baked raspberry alongside with orange peel, cedar, korla pear and herbal whiffles of mint, lavender, thyme, oolong tea. The palate is characterized by a zing of iron tones and the mid-palate volume that are such a signature of Ravera, with silky tannins and a profound and long finish.
100% Nebbiolo
G.D. Vajra Barolo Coste di Rose 2017
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Retail: $89.95 | Sale: $80.95
Coste di Rose is a small MGA in Comune di Barolo. It is located on a steep slope that arises from Bosco della Fava and descends swiftly towards the border with Monforte d’Alba. The greatest emotion is the one you feel when reaching the top of the vineyard: a five-meter tall dune of pure Arenarie di Diano stands out there, as the witness of the unique soil composition of Coste di Rose. These sands provide Barolo DOCG Coste di Rose with its distinctive character: tones of cherry and rose petals, mint and sweet spices, a silky tannin and a juicy sip.
100% Nebbiolo
G.D. Vajra Barolo Chinato NV
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Retail: $69.95 | Sale: $62.95
Barolo Chinato is an ancient Piedmontese digestif. The wine used as a production base is Barolo DOCG Albe of the current vintage. The “chinatura” is the addition of infusions of about thirty herbs, rinds and roots of plants, including China (Cinchona Calisaya), hence the name. Every Chinato has a secret recipe, but some flavors (primarily that of Barolo) are so obvious that they can not be kept under wraps ... Selecting the herbs they have chosen those favored by the specific digestive, decongestant and relaxing properties, drawing liberally from the rich floral heritage of the Alps that hug Piedmont. The peel of organic oranges from Sicily, spices and brown sugar complete the process. Beautiful as a digestive or paired with dark chocolate.
85% DOCG Barolo Albe | 15% hydro-alcoholic extracts of aromatic and medicinal herbs.