The wines of G.D. Vajra are one of Piedmont’s best kept secrets. The family are situated in the tiny village of Vergne in the commune of Barolo, one of the highest points in Piedmont. Surprisingly, given their access to great terroir, the estate was only founded in 1972 (though some of the vines have been in the family longer, previously just used for their personal cellar).
Patriarch Aldo started the estate, naming it after his dad, Giuseppe Domenico (fair enough, given he’d planted most of the family’s vines). They now own around 60 hectares of vineyards, a sizeable number in such a desirable part of Italy. But just 10 hectares are planted with grapes destined for their Barolos.
The high altitude of many of the vineyards means that the grapes ripen later than anywhere else in Piedmont. When this fresh, slow-ripening fruit is pressed and careful winemaking used, it delivers some of the most elegant Barolos you’ll find. They’re Barolos for Burgundy lovers.