G. D. Vajra Barolo Albe DOCG 2018

The G.D. Vajra estate, nestled in Vergne, the highest village of the Barolo Commune, is a remarkable site for natural wine production. The vineyards, perched at an altitude of 350-400 meters, are home to Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera grapes. This high elevation contributes to the creation of distinctive and aromatic wines, a hallmark of the Vajra family's dedication to viticulture.

The Vajra family, known for their passion and expertise in winemaking, are also deeply attuned to the human aspect of the craft. They remain steadfast in their commitment to producing traditional and authentic Piemonte wines. The family views themselves as mere instruments, allowing nature and the environment to fully express themselves through their wines. This philosophy resonates with the essence of natural wine production, where minimal human intervention and a deep respect for the land are central.

In 1971, Aldo Vajra, then a university student, pioneered organic farming in Piemonte. For nearly five decades, the vineyards have been lovingly maintained, with soil preservation achieved through grassing and spontaneous cover crops. The Vajra estate proudly holds sustainable and organic certifications, further cementing its dedication to natural winemaking practices.

At Vajra, winemaking is not just a process but a labor of love, devoid of any fixed recipes. The estate emphasizes an incredible ratio of manual labor per hectare, ensuring meticulous care and attention to detail. Beyond the vineyards, Vajra is committed to enhancing biodiversity. This commitment extends to the flora and fauna in their vineyards, fields, and forests, underlining a holistic approach to natural wine production that respects and nurtures the entire ecosystem.

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.