Pop-Up Italian Wine Tasting
Featuring Famed Barolo Producer,
G.D. Vajra!
With Special Winery Guest,
Kevin Natoli
Thursday, January 23rd
Le Petit Bijou
Call 256-964-7980 to Reserve
The Vajra family has farmed Bricco delle Viole, the highest cru in Comune di Barolo, since the 1880s. At the young age of fifteen, Aldo Vajra embraced the dream to revive his family legacy. Displaying a vision and commitment belying his young age he took over the estate in 1968, turning a new page.
Attention to details and humility towards the nature, uncompromised efforts and humanity: so are Aldo and Milena, now joined by their energetic children Giuseppe, Francesca and Isidoro, and by an amazing team of young professionals, in their quest for an authentic expression of their land into the wines. G.D. Vajra is an independent winery, entirely family-owned.
Italian Wine Tasting
Featuring G.D. Vajra
Le Petit Bijou
Thursday, January 23rd
4pm - 6pm, $20
With Special Guest, Kevin Natoli of G.D. Vajra
256-964-7980 to Reserve
2022 G. D. Vajra Luigi Baudana Langhe Bianco, Piedmont, Italy $18.99
Dragon is a unique white blend from the Langhe. Originally produced by Luigi Baudana during the 1980s with Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc, it has evolved to embrace Nascetta, the most exciting white heirloom varietal of the Langhe, and a tiny amount of Riesling. Dragon 2022 opens to fresh fruit aromas such as kiwi, lime and pear. Hints of minerality like flint and sea stones complete the elegant bouquet. The palate is citrusy whit flavors of orchard fruit, macerated elder flower and candied orange peel that shine through the fresh and vibrant acidity.
2023 G. D. Vajra `Rosabella` Rosato, Piedmont, Italy $16.99
The 2023 Rosabella reveals an amazing bouquet of flowers and fruits, with nuances of rose petals, grapefruits and white raspberries. The palate is tasty and mineral, with whiffs of peach, lemon oil, green apple energized by the freshness that is such a signature of Nebbiolo.
2022 G. D. Vajra Dolcetto D`Alba, Piedmont, Italy $24.99
G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba presents a vivid, deep purple appearance. Aromatically, it greets the nose with wild berries and mulberry, complemented by subtle white pepper, sweet spices, and a touch of fresh thyme. Red fruit and fresh plum flavors on the palate, enriched by a mild tartness that harmonizes wonderfully when paired with food. Its finish is refined, leaving a delightful hint of almond. This wine is exceptionally versatile with food, perfectly complementing egg pasta, pizza, white and red meats, and vegetable-focused dishes.
2022 G. D. Vajra Langhe Rosso, Piedmont, Italy $16.99
Variety: Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, and other local red varieties
The G.D. Vajra winery was created in 1972 by Aldo and Milena Vaira, initially from vineyards planted by Aldo’s father in 1947. The winery was named for Aldo’s father, Giuseppe Domenico Vajra, because at the time Aldo was not old enough to establish the winery in his own name. Today the family has 40 hectares under vine in Barolo and other surrounding appellations. Their prized holdings in Bricco delle Viole were planted in 1949 by Aldo’s grandfather. Milena and Aldo’s three children – Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro – are all involved in the family winery operation situated in the village of Vergne. The family is hard-working, passionate, and caring. Their focus is on building something for their children, caring about the community, and cementing the stories of the regions’ past. The family is longtime friends of Hart & Cru. They continue to uphold their passion for quality wine and the people who surround them.
This Langhe Rosso is a mainstay of the Vajra family. It may be their flagship bottle as it is not only food friendly, but approachable to the masses and incredible value. The blend incorporates all the red varieties that Vajra does well while maintaining the identity of the Langhe region. Its ageing is just long enough in stainless steel and neutral oak to allow each variety to harmonize with the others.
2022 G. D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy $27.99
G.D. Vajra Nebbiolo Langhe displays a bright ruby red color. Perfumes are vibrant, with a floral bouquet of rose petals, violets and fresh berries, hints of dark fruit, lavender and mint. Elegant and complex on the palate with layers of crunchy red fruits, orange peel, sweet spices with earthy and mineral undertones.
2020 G. D. Vajra Barolo Albe, Piedmont, Italy $45.99
Winemaker Notes
#9 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2024
The 2020 Barolo Albe shows an expressive nose with aromas of fresh cherries, crushed stones and roses. The mouthfeel is bright and energetic, with generous mouthfeel and a youthful tannic structure enriched by notes of raspberry and orange zest. Long, textural finish.
Professional Ratings
94
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
You can't beat this value. The G.D. Vajra 2020 Barolo Albe is buttoned up with fresh primary fruit, and the wine does not have that hint of over-ripeness that is found across this vintage. The fruit is dark and savory, and there is a big mineral component to match, but the bouquet is nicely redolent of dark currant, plum, granite and a raspy dry note that brings crushed shale to mind. The tannins are quite impactful, and they give this wine extra runway for moderate bottle aging.
94
Wine Spectator
This effusive red displays cherry, raspberry, rose, iron, juniper and hay flavors, underscored by vibrant acidity. Harmonious and supple in texture, with a long aftertaste of red fruit, mineral and floral elements.
93
James Suckling
This is a bright and lively Barolo showing sliced oranges, raspberries, crushed stones and rose petals on the nose. Medium-bodied, with sharp acidity and tight tannins. Lots of energy. Try from 2027.
93
Wine Enthusiast
The nose is a harmonious blend of red fruits, featuring warmed cherries macerated in sweet and savory spices of cinnamon and clove. Dried raspberries and red currant add depth, while a distinct dried leaf and floral component entices. Vibrant cherry, cranberry and strawberry stand tall on the palate, with thyme and bay leaf adding subtle herbaceous undertones that balance the flavors. Mouthwatering acidity keeps the wine lively, and approachable tannins allow you to enjoy this wine now and give you the tools to pair with a variety of cuisines.
93
Jeb Dunnuck
A ripe ruby hue, the 2020 Barolo Albe offers a beautiful bouquet of raspberries, fresh flowers, and delicate spice. Medium-bodied, it has a lot of elegance, with ripe and supple tannins and a bit of iron-rich earth. Drink 2024-2037.
90
Vinous
The 2020 Barolo Albe is light-bodied, elegant and gracious. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and dried herbs are all nicely lifted. Bright acids and nervy tannins give the wine its shape and overall character. The Albe is meant to be an entry-level offering, but I find it often blossoms with a year or two in bottle.
