G. D. Vajra Barbera d'Alba DOC 2022

The G.D. Vajra estate in Vergne, the highest village in the Barolo commune, is recognized for its distinguished winemaking. The winery's vineyards, perched at 350-400 meters, are ideal for growing prime varietals like Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera. These higher elevations contribute unique aromatic profiles and characteristics to their wines, setting them apart in the region.

The Vajra family has long been committed to traditional winemaking methods, prioritizing manual intervention to capture the true essence of Piemontese wines. Since 1971, Aldo Vajra pioneered embracing organic farming practices in Piemonte, even as a student. The vineyards have been nurtured for nearly five decades with natural grassing and spontaneous cover crops, reflecting a deep-rooted respect for the environment.

The estate is proudly certified in sustainable and organic farming methods. Their meticulous care for each hectare of the vineyards symbolizes their steadfast commitment to quality. This dedication goes beyond mere viniculture, with a strong focus on enhancing biodiversity in their vineyards and the surrounding fields and woodlands.

Piedmont, or Piemonte as it's known in Italian, is often hailed as the "Burgundy of Italy" by wine enthusiasts. This esteemed wine-producing region sits in Italy's northwestern corner, nestled at the base of the mountains. Surrounded by France to the west, Valle d'Aosta northwest, Lombardy east, and Liguria south, Piedmont is also home to Turin, its capital and largest city.

A standout feature of Piedmont, much like Veneto, is its rich tapestry of indigenous grape varieties. These varietals create a diverse range of unique and exceptional wines. A key aspect of Piedmont's traditional winemaking is the practice of using single grape varieties, and avoiding blends, which highlights the region's dedication to showcasing individual grape characteristics.

Piedmont's comparison to Burgundy stems from several crucial factors. Firstly, there's a strong emphasis on quality over quantity, with many wineries being small, family-owned, and harmoniously integrated with their natural surroundings. This focus aligns perfectly with the principles of natural wine production.

Secondly, the region adopts a terroir-driven approach to viticulture and winemaking. Vineyards are meticulously divided into cru (or zonazione in Italian), each producing wines with distinct and specific characteristics.

Lastly, the renowned Nebbiolo grape, a staple of Piedmont and globally celebrated, is treated similarly to Burgundy's Pinot Noir. Notably, Nebbiolo wines are never blended.