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Bottle of G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2020-Red Wine-Flatiron SF

G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2020

Red Wine from Piedmont, Italy
by G.D. Vajra
$39.99
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Aldo Vaira, and his son Giuseppe, the two generations now managing the domaine, have an interesting specialty: Barolo from high altitudes. Even their residence is way up in Vergne, the highest-altitude village in the DOC.

High altitudes have some well-known effects. The vines ripen later, so you get longer growing seasons and better acidities. You have thinner soils with rocky outposts, so you get more minerality.

But here is a lesser-known consequence: You get quite a bit of variation in when the sun rises. The Vairas observe that in three of their vineyards, Fossati, Le Coste, and La Volta, the dawns are approximately 20 minutes apart. There are three dawns. Hence, they call the blend from these vineyards “Albe,” which is Italian for “dawns.”

Cute, yes, but also profound. Barolo was traditionally blended because you wanted different parts to contribute to a greater whole. For this to work, you need a diversity of terroir. The dawns themselves, of course, don’t provide this diversity, but they do correlate strongly with differences in micro-climate and other terroir features.

And it works. Antonio Galloni has pronounced that “The Albe may be the single best value in Barolo today.” This is Barolo for drinking now, but also for aging a year, two, or five.

Left G.D. Vajra

Active since the nineteenth century, the property was revitalised in 1968 by Aldo Vajra. Since taking the helm, Aldo has remained an influential force in Barolo, pioneering organic viticulture and resuscitating lesser-known varieties like Freisa. Aldo’s passion for his craft is shared by his children who now join him in the vines and cellar.

While the Vajras are progressive in their actions, their wines are classic. Farming is meticulous and vinification of the estate’s flagship Barolos, from magnificent high altitude crus, follows the time-honored protocol of long fermentation and aging in large neutral oak barrels.

Vajra's Barolo is known for, more than anything else, its purity. Vajra makes Barolo so airy that it seems to float, its essence of Nebbiolo wafting from the glass and seeping across your palate like mist.

Professional Reviews

Antonio Galloni

AG 90
"The 2020 Barolo Albe is light-bodied, elegant and gracious. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and dried herbs are all nicely lifted. Bright acids and nervy tannins give the wine its shape and overall character. The Albe is meant to be an entry-level offering, but I find it often blossoms with a year or two in bottle." -Vinous

Robert Parker

RP 94
"You can't beat this value. The G.D. Vajra 2020 Barolo Albe is buttoned up with fresh primary fruit, and the wine does not have that hint of over-ripeness that is found across this vintage. The fruit is dark and savory, and there is a big mineral component to match, but the bouquet is nicely redolent of dark currant, plum, granite and a raspy dry note that brings crushed shale to mind. The tannins are quite impactful, and they give this wine extra runway for moderate bottle aging." -Robert Parker

Wine Spectator

WS 94
"This effusive red displays cherry, raspberry, rose, iron, juniper and hay flavors, underscored by vibrant acidity. Harmonious and supple in texture, with a long aftertaste of red fruit, mineral and floral elements."

Wine Enthusiast

WE 93
"The nose is a harmonious blend of red fruits, featuring warmed cherries macerated in sweet and savory spices of cinnamon and clove. Dried raspberries and red currant add depth, while a distinct dried leaf and floral component entices. Vibrant cherry, cranberry and strawberry stand tall on the palate, with thyme and bay leaf adding subtle herbaceous undertones that balance the flavors. Mouthwatering acidity keeps the wine lively, and approachable tannins allow you to enjoy this wine now and give you the tools to pair with a variety of cuisines."

Details

  • Grape Variety

    Nebbiolo

  • Vintage

    2020

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Organic

  • Style

    Earthy , Elegant , Minerally

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Full Bodied

Customer Reviews

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