G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba

Dolcetto is a refreshing, lively and delicate Italian varietal. G.D. Vajra estate was established in the late 1960’s and is located in the Piedmont region of Italy. They are renowned for their Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto wines. They have been compared to a Bourgogne style wines because of their finesse and elegance. The estate has about 40 hectares of vineyards planted, mostly Nebbiolo grape for their Barolo wines. The vines are mostly old vines on rocky, chalky soils.

This particular wine from G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba 2018 is from the Vjara family that has farmed Bricco delle Viole, the highest cru in Comune di Barolo, since the 1880s. The vineyard was the first to receive organic certification in 1971 in the region. They are today a solely owned and family run estate. The grapes are harvested from 4 different plots in Barolo and Novello to create a wine with freshness and concentration. The grapes are hand harvested and in order to preserve the fruit integrity. The fermentation lasts 7-15 days and is aged in stainless steel till the following spring.

The wine is a pretty purple color. Aromas of black cherry, plum currant, blackberry, bramble, violet and earthy. Palate is dry with fine tannins and lively acidity. Flavors of black cherry, plum, mint, minerals, violet leather, raspberry, blackberry, earthy plum, black currant ,licorice, pepper, stone, tobacco linger on the palate. Dolcetta is a great summer red well chilled and thirst quenching.

Pair with grilled vegetarian pizza, roasted tomato sauce tagliatelle, eggplant parmesan, grilled lamb chops with rosemary.