G.D. Vajra

Rich ruby red with a violet hue, the typical black cherry flavour with notes of roses and bitter almonds caresses the palate. This very authentic Dolcetto shines with finesse, a powerful body and a fruity, crisp finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Dolcetto d'Alba offers up a classic profile of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, cloves and licorice. Medium in body and vibrant, the 2023 is seriously beautiful. This is what Dolcetto should be." Vinous

Don't be surprised: This expressive, fresh red could also be a rosé. This serious fun-maker is a wonderfully refreshing yet extremely flavoursome Nebbiolo with an expressive bouquet of crushed raspberries and strawberries, making it an ideal food companion or "just" spring or summer wine that can easily be enjoyed on its own. Very electrifying and a real pleasure to drink! SUPERIORE.DE

Dolcetto d'Alba Coste & Fossati is one of the most sought-after wines in the appellation every year. A very dark violet-coloured wine with a bouquet of roasted almonds, cherries, tar and chocolate. Voluminous, long and rich on the palate, velvety and juicy with a subtle sweetness and an impressive, gripping texture. Already a pleasure today and undoubtedly a great experience in a few years' time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Coste & Fossati, Vajra's top Dolcetto, takes the notes of the grape variety and amplifies them, adding remarkable richness and body in the mid-palate, in part through a super-classic winemaking process that involves maceration under water. Iron, dried flowers, mint, plum, sage and tobacco make up this deep, multi-layered Dolcetto. I love its dynamic energy and overall complexity." Vinous

"A peppery dolcetto with blackberries, violets and a touch of asphalt. The palate reveals rich yet tightly wound dark fruit, with precise tannins and a concise finish. A sensibly made dolcetto." James Suckling

Excellent Langhe Nebbiolo. Garnet red colour, pronounced aroma of ripe cherries, raspberries, dried rose petals and wild berries. The very juicy yet cool and elegant flavour shows silky yet solid flanking tannins and harmonious acidity. A profound red with plenty of vigour at an excellent price. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is a tasty entry-level offering Vajra. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry fruit, cedar and pipe tobacco give this open-knit, mid-weight Langhe Nebbiolo tons of charm." Vinous

This wine bears the small print name Viola delle Viole, although its fruit comes from the Bricco delle Viole and Bricco Bertone vineyards, two sites with different soil types, one of which provides structure and the other aromatic purity. Vajra's Barbera d'Alba Superiore opens with a dark, almost impenetrable appearance. Powerful aromas of blackberry jam and preserved cherries unfold on the nose. You can feel its warmth and richness and there is no way around it. It is a super-sized Barbera that goes one better in terms of extraction and intensity. The finish is almost sweet, followed by good acidity. It shows great aromatic perfection, length and a very accentuated style. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2022 is a rich, intoxicating and powerful wine. Dark red and purple fruits run through this dense, muscular wine. You will find a distinctive Barbera of unusual depth, structure and complexity." Vinous

"This wine has an exuberant nose of crushed blueberries, spices, cedar and a subtle hint of tile. On the palate it’s full-bodied with compact, precise tannins. There is a balanced and lovely interplay between the vibrant fruit, focused tannins and lively acidity. Sensibly made Barbera." James Suckling

The pioneer of Riesling on Italian soil is Aldo Vajra. Already fascinated by the variety as a student, he planted the first vines of the White Riesling variety in the Langa. Very light yellow-green in colour when young, developing into a strong straw yellow. The flavours of the noble Pètracine also take a varied course. Starting with peach and apricot, delicate floral and citrus notes follow in the middle, while minerality takes centre stage as the wine matures. Harmonious and precisely structured on the palate, almost austere, fascinatingly complex and long. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Riesling Pétracine is a wild, dynamic wine. Ripe pear, apricot, jasmine and exotic floral overtones all meld together. The 2023 exudes varietal character, but it also has a distinctly Piedmontese profile, especially in its acids. This is a terrific vintage for the Pétracine." Vinous

With Kyè, Vajra has not only recognised the potential of the Freisa grape, but redefined it. The freshness of the grape variety is somewhat reminiscent of Barbera and has a similar structure to the Nebbiolo grape. An explosive wine with dark fruits, violets, minerals, menthol and spices. Insanely beautiful and multi-dimensional, the fruit remains primary and the tannins are firm. Elegance all along the line and at the same time completely Freisa, only without the old-fashioned rusticity of this indigenous variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Langhe Freisa Kyè is an elegant, sophisticated wine. Dark cherry, plum, gravel, dried flowers, mocha, sage and liquorice give it remarkable complexity. The racy profile is characterised by ripe fruit, but also by a medium-weight structure resulting from the challenge of reaching full maturity in this vintage." Vinous

"Concentrated, with aromas of dark currants, white pepper and hints of earth and asphalt. The palate is medium- to full-bodied and chewy, showing elderberry and blackberry flavors, racy acidity and a firm finish." James Suckling

Brilliant and finely moulded on the palate. Expressive, floral notes merge with bright red fruits, mint and ground berries to create a lively and distinctive Barolo that is endowed with pure energy and class. Albe is juicy and fruity and a clear buy, and not just because of its comparatively moderate price. It comes from the three parcels Fossati, Castello della Volta and Costa di Vergne. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Barolo Albe is bright, aromatic and vibrant in the glass. Medium in body and super-refined, the 2021 is a delight. This is one of the more understated recent vintages I can remember tasting. It’s a terrific introduction to this range." Vinous

"This multi-MGA Barolo is made from the estate's younger vines, although the average age is a respectable 30 years. Winemaker Giuseppe Vaira calls it a "blend with immediate drinkability". Indeed, it is already irresistible with its emerging and lively aromas of peppery strawberries, dried violets and crushed allspice. On the palate it is silky and refined, with a clarity of crisp red fruits. The multi-layered tannins support it without overpowering it - it is very seamlessly blended. It promises to reveal even more with a little more time in the bottle." Decanter

"Violets with dried flowers and hints of blueberries and menthol. This has a juicy profile of fruit that complements a big tannin structure that concludes with a firm, tightly wound finish and just a touch of shy fruit." James Suckling

"The G.D. Vajra 2021 Barolo Albe is an enormously versatile expression of Nebbiolo, with an affordable price, that offers more value for your money than most Barolos out there. The bouquet focuses on dark berry, pressed flower and crushed stone. It offers good sharpness over broad lines. The mouthfeel is medium-plus in texture and it closes with silky, accessible tannins." Wine Advocate

The Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba is the most accessible of Luigi Baudana's three Baroli. Precise fruit with wonderful tones of black cherry, plum and cassis. The intensity of the characteristic Nebbiolo liquorice and cola takes a back seat in this wine as the dark fruit is the leading force. This vintage has the acidity and natural structure to carry the wine for 10 years or more. And so it is not surprising that this Barolo still needs a few years to develop its full class and finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba is superb. Creamy and resonant in the glass, with gorgeous mid-palate depth, the 2021 is a terrific wine in its peer group. Rose petal, incense, blood orange, dried herbs and cedar confer notable complexity. This is a gorgeous wine in every way. The Baudana Serralunga Barolo is one of so many wines in Piedmont that overachieves." Vinous

"The Luigi Baudana 2021 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba shows rich fruit delivered as cooked cherry with background tones of cinnamon, red rose and ferrous earth. The tannins are sweet but also firm, and you get plenty of streamlined fruit on the close." Wine Advocate

"This wine shows aromas of flowers, pressed roses, dried cherries, red currants and balsamic. Medium-bodied, it shows firm, dusty tannins with prominent freshness and a tight aftertaste." James Suckling

The Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba is the most accessible of Luigi Baudana's three Baroli. Precise fruit with wonderful tones of black cherry, plum and cassis. The intensity of the characteristic Nebbiolo liquorice and cola takes a back seat in this wine as the dark fruit is the leading force. This vintage has the acidity and natural structure to carry the wine for 10 years or more. And so it is not surprising that this Barolo still needs a few years to develop its full class and finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Very fine aroma of cherries and wild berries on the nose, accompanied by violets, some undergrowth in the background, very complex. Beautiful entry on the palate with a rich fruit core, fine melting, juicy in the further course and with tightly meshed tannins, ending spicy and fruity in the long finish." Falstaff

"Really convincing nose. Racy and polished tannins. Very lively. Long and dry, but not drying. Very clean. Wonderfully pure fruit." Jancis Robinson

"This is a smooth and flavoursome Barolo, showing notes of blood orange, wild raspberry, white tea and peaches with a hint of pickled olives. It is medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins and elegance." James Suckling

"Cherry, menthol, tar and iron flavours are present in this silky, stylish red wine. It's graceful at first, but picks up dense tannins mid-palate and on the finish that coat the mouth. Its length shows its pedigree, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"The Luigi Baudana 2020 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba has a strong aromatic character with ferruginous earth, iron ore, dried flowers, orange peel, spices and dark fruit. Despite the hot vintage, there is also a good freshness. Fresh berry flavours give this wine an approachable character (and lively energy). This beautiful freshness is what you will remember most." Wine Advocate

"This Barolo exudes a seductive and enigmatic aroma characterised by black cherries and warmed blackcurrants, accompanied by notes of black pepper, liquorice root, aniseed and fennel. The wine's nose is a captivating kaleidoscope in which fruit, herbs and earthy notes play a different role each time the glass is swirled. The palate is mouth-filling, rich and structured, with notes of plum and black raspberry wrapped in firm tannins and a distinct earthy quality that pairs well with roasted meats, mushrooms or umami-focused dishes. This wine is a true embodiment of the powerful and age-worthy Barolo wines that have made Serralunga d'Alba famous." Wine Enthusiast

The latest addition to Vajra's Barolo line-up comes from a 1.5-hectare plot in Coste di Rose, a small MGA (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive) in the Barolo region. This is a steep slope at 310 metres above sea level with a high proportion of sandy soils with good drainage, whose vines and soils are cultivated close to nature. This very accessible Barolo is straightforward, forward and impresses even at a young age with its refreshing candour. A very precise bouquet of cherry, plum, liquorice, spices and menthol, followed by a broad and multi-layered fruity palate with plenty of juice and power, supportive tannins and a full, long, mineral and minty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Compared to Bricco delle Viole, Coste di Rose is characterised by sandstone soils at lower altitudes of 340 to 350 metres above sea level. Elegant bouquet with fine red fruit and blue berries, plus smoky and floral tones reminiscent of violets and rose petals. In the mouth, a finely spun, fragrant Barolo with an elegant acidic nerve and juicy fruit sweetness in the finish." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby colour with a slight garnet sheen. Clear and memorable, opens with notes of dried roses, then some cloves, plus plenty of plums. Juicy on the palate, shows very good tension, savoury, present, fine-meshed tannins at the core, builds up over a long time." Falstaff

"Truly floral aroma. Very fruity, expressive and flattering. Just a little dry on the finish. Lots of energy." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Barolo Coste di Rose is an attractive, medium-bodied wine. Black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and liquorice are beautifully interwoven. The Coste di Rose is not the most complex Barolo in the range, but it offers plenty of pure appeal in a sensual, open style that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring time." Vinous

"White pepper, dried roses, berries and minerals on the nose. Very elegant and chalky on the palate with a medium to full body and a linear finish. Pure and powerful." James Suckling

"Coste di Rose is the lowest of the Vajra vineyards and the most recent, 2015, was the first vintage. It is relatively unknown, although it is quite central between Canubi and Brunate. Red-fruited and forward, perhaps with a little less structure, red and blue berries, a hint of lavender and clove and raspberry leaves offer a bright, herbaceous character that lifts the finish." Decanter

"A Barolo of remarkable elegance and complexity. Sublime aromas of mixed wild berries, candied rose petals, cinnamon and whole cloves are accompanied by warm, earthy notes. Tart cherries and cranberries dominate the palate, with woody undertones and chewy tannins that add power without overpowering. Savoury and medicinal herbs linger on the finish, making this wine a captivating expression of this famous cru." Wine Enthusiast

"A beam of fresh cherries and strawberries permeate this graceful red wine, which is carried by a lively structure. Flashes of sun-kissed hay, iron and mint add depth as this wine builds to a lingering finish. Very harmonious, with a chalky sensation in the long, complex aftertaste." Wine Spectator