G.D. Vajra 2024 Dolcetto d'Alba Piemonte

Vivid, deep purple. The nose shows wild berries and mulberry, with subtle white pepper, sweet spices, and fresh thyme. Mildly tart palate with red berries and fresh plum. Hint of almond on the finish. Lovely fruit, fine tannins, great mid-palate, fresh finish.

2024 is set to deliver wines of fresh aromatics, moderate alcohol level and irresistible drinkability. Winter came late and so did the snow on the mountains. Budbreak was first recorded on March 11th, threatened by frost a month later. Starting in May, abundant rain marked the growing season, causing sustained fungal pressure and intense vineyard work. Temperatures rose eventually, turning 2024 into a warm vintage, with a significant hailstorm episode in early August on the western slopes between La Morra and Novello. Harvest started on August 30th and finished - intertwined by numerous rainfalls - on October 24th.This was one of the most demanding vintages since 1972, with close-to-heroic work in the vineyards. We are proud to confirm that we persevered in our organic commitment and were able to harvest gorgeous fruit, if in reduced yields.

GD Vajra, a revered winery nestled in the verdant hills of Piedmont, Italy, was established in 1972 by Aldo Vajra. The winery's roots, however, run much deeper, tracing back to the early 20th century when Aldo's grandfather first began acquiring vineyard parcels in the region. Despite the family's long-standing connection to the land, it was Aldo who crafted the first wines under the GD Vajra name, bringing the family's legacy into the spotlight. Today, the Vajra estate is a family affair, with Aldo's children—Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro—playing integral roles in the winery's operations.

The Vajra family's commitment to authenticity and respect for their land is evident in their meticulous viticultural practices. They adhere to sustainable farming methods, treating the vineyards as living, breathing ecosystems. This philosophy translates into the quality of their wines, which express the distinctive characteristics of the terroir with exceptional clarity. The family's holdings include three premier Barolo Cru sites—Bricco delle Viole, Ravera, and Costa di Rose. Each site is unique: Bricco delle Viole, the family's home vineyard, is known for its high-altitude and delicate, aromatic wines; Ravera, characterised by its marl soils, imparts a robust structure and complex flavors to the wines; and Costa di Rose is famed for its aromatic diversity and multi-layered elegance.

In 2008, the Vajra family expanded their footprint in Piedmont by taking over the Baudana estate in Serralunga d'Alba. This property boasts two exceptional Crus, Baudana and Cerretta. Baudana, which carries the historic legacy of being one of the first recognized vineyard sites in Serralunga, yields wines of remarkable complexity and longevity. Cerretta, on the other hand, is known for its rich, full-bodied wines that beautifully balance power and elegance. Whether under the GD Vajra or Baudana label, the wines of the Vajra family represent the pinnacle of Piedmontese winemaking, capturing the essence of their vineyards and the spirit of the region in every bottle.