Wines from GD Vajra

History

The story of G.D. Vajra starts with land bought by Aldo Vaira's grandparents in the 1920s at Vergne, a hamlet above the town of Barolo. The winery itself was founded in 1972 and carries the name of Aldo's father, Giuseppe Domenico, because Aldo could not yet register it under his own.

Aldo came to the farm in 1968 almost by accident, sent there for a summer by his parents after a student protest. His first vintage, 1972, was a weak one, and he taught viticulture for a time to make ends meet.

The land and the vineyards

Vergne lies on the western edge of the Barolo zone, high above the town. The best known site, Bricco delle Viole, stands over 400 metres above sea level, and the vineyards used for Barolo range from roughly 270 to 480 metres, which keeps the grapes cool and fresh. Aldo has slowly widened the holdings over the years; sources put the planted area anywhere between 20 and 60 hectares.

Beyond Nebbiolo, the family also grows Barbera, Dolcetto and other Langhe grapes, and even Riesling.

The wines

Barolo comes first. The Albe blend draws on the Fossati, Coste di Vergne and La Volta vineyards, planted between 380 and 480 metres, and there is a separate Ravera bottling. The range continues with Barbera d'Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo, Langhe Pinot Nero and the Riesling called Petracine.

Today

Aldo's children Giuseppe, Francesca and Isidoro now help run the estate, which stays in the family.

Founded

1972

Vineyards (hectares)

Sources vary, 20 to 60

Main grapes

Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto

Owners

Vaira family

Winemaker

Aldo Vaira with Giuseppe Vaira