G.D. Vajra, Barolo Albe 2021
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Piedmont
Grape Variety Nebbiolo
Vintage 2021
ABV 14.5%
Discover the G.D. Vajra Barolo 'Albe' 2021, a highly acclaimed Italian red wine made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown in the heart of Piedmont’s prestigious Barolo region. Rated 95 points by Wine Advocate, this wine is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a versatile, age-worthy Barolo with exceptional value.
Vineyard Origins
The grapes for this vintage are sourced from three high-altitude vineyards: Fossati, Coste di Vergne, and La Volta, each situated between 380–480m above sea level. These sites feature a mix of limestone marl and fossil-rich Sant’Agata soils, providing depth, minerality, and complexity to the wine. All vines are Guyot-trained and benefit from ideal sun exposures for slow ripening and full phenolic development.
2021 Vintage – A Classic Year for Barolo Wines
Despite early-season challenges like spring frost and isolated hailstorms, the 2021 growing season in Barolo was dry and balanced, producing exceptionally high-quality fruit. The resulting Nebbiolo grapes were marked by vibrant acidity, structured tannins, and excellent concentration – ideal conditions for long-aging Barolo wines.
Traditional Vinification – Precision from Vineyard to Bottle
Harvested in mid-October, the fruit underwent triple hand-sorting to ensure only the best berries were used. Fermentation took place in vertical tini tanks with a prolonged maceration of up to 61 days, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. The result is a wine that blends traditional Barolo elegance with modern finesse.
Tasting Notes – Elegant and Expressive
With aromas of dark berries, pressed flowers, and crushed stone, the 2021 'Albe' opens with vibrant sharpness and depth. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky, approachable tannins, offering layers of complexity and balance. A wine you can enjoy now or cellar through 2040.
“Like your favorite jeans or go-to dress—always reliable, always elegant. A Barolo of depth and versatility at an outstanding price.”
— Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (95 Points)
Discover the legacy of Vajra Barolo wines, handcrafted in the picturesque village of Vergne, perched just above the historic town of Barolo in northwestern Italy. This family-owned estate cultivates 20 hectares of premium Barolo vineyards on the western edge of the Barolo DOCG, with a focus on small-production, terroir-driven wines.
At the heart of their estate lies Bricco delle Viole, one of the highest and most celebrated Barolo crus, located over 400 metres above sea level. This prime vineyard benefits from cool alpine breezes and optimal sun exposure, producing elegant Barolo wines with floral aromatics, refined tannins, and exceptional ageing potential.
While the Vaira family’s roots in Barolo stretch back to the 1920s, the modern legacy began in 1968 when Aldo Vaira, inspired by a transformative summer on the family farm, chose to dedicate his life to viticulture. Despite a rocky start with the disastrous 1972 vintage—often cited as the worst of the 20th century, Aldo persevered, teaching viticulture and gradually expanding the estate’s holdings.
Today, G.D. Vajra wines are known for their purity, finesse, and deep connection to the land. In addition to Bricco delle Viole, the estate also produces wines from many other top single-vineyard sites. Each vineyards brings its own unique character, resulting in a portfolio of high-quality Barolo wines that reflect the diverse terroirs of the region.
