PL Award 1: GOLD - SWA 2016 Country: Italy  Region: Piemonte  Vintage: 2013 Category: Red Wine  Color:  Red Producer: G.D. Vajra "Aldo Vaira's wines are characterised by pristine flavours and clearly defined perfumes. These characters are attributable to the position of his vineyards at about 400 metres above sea level in the village of Vergne in the commune of Barolo. G.D. Vajra was established in 1972 and named after Aldo's father, Giuseppe Domenico. Aldo has been gradually increasing the area under vine to 60 hectares, of which 10 are Nebbiolo for Barolo, located in such outstanding sites as Bricco delle Viole, Ravera, Fossati, La Volta and Coste di Vergne. A traditionalist, Aldo adheres to old-style winemaking methods, such as long ageing in barrel for his Barolo, but combines this with new techniques, such as a judicious use of oak, to produce superbly elegant wines.This elegance, aligned with a vibrancy and depth derived from exemplary viticulture, gives wines of wonderful varietal character. His Barbera, scented, balanced and lively, is a classic, while his Dolcetto shows all the positive characteristics - but none of the negatives - of this difficult variety. His Langhe Nebbiolo is a classically defined example of this variety that is unusually drinkable at such an early stage. The Barolo 'Le Albe' offers superb value and is ideal for early drinking, while Aldo's masterpiece, the single vineyard 'Bricco delle Viole', is intense and elegant - a Chambolle to Massolino's Gevrey style wines. The rising star is the Barolo from Ravera. It is darker and more brooding than the Bricco dell Viole, but displays the hallmark elegance of a Vajra wine." Product Features: Sustainable;Vegan;Vegetarian Winemaker: Aldo Vaira Vineyards: The grapes for this wine come from two exceptional vineyards - Bricco delle Viole in the commune of Barolo and Bric Bertone in the commune of Sinio. Bricco delle Viole vineyard is south and southeast facing, planted between 1971 and 1999 at an altitude of 380-470 metres above sea level. The vines are planted at a density of 4,200 to 4,700 plants per hectare. Bric Bertone is at 340-390 metres above sea level with a southern exposure. The vineyard was planted in 2000 to a density of 4,600 plants per hectare. The vines are trained in a mixed Guyot system. The soil is rich in calcareous marl, with rocky outcrops, giving elegant, fragrant and particularly long-lived wines. Vinification: Fermentation with indigenous yeasts took place in stainless steel tanks for 20 days. Temperatures were not controlled, but did not exceed 32ºC with regular traditional punch downs. Malolactic fermentation followed in Slavonian oak barrels. The wine remained in oak for a total of 20-24 months before bottling. Tasting Notes: Ruby red in colour with violet hues. A beautiful array of aromas on the nose with red fruits, hay, flowers and liquorice together with refreshing mineral notes. This Barbera Superiore has a richness that starts on the nose and persists through to the finish. There is a lovely balance between supple tannins and youthful acidity. Food Suggestion: Try with Cumberland sausages, lasagne or meaty fish dishes such as monkfish wrapped in Parma ham. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV: 14.5%   Acidity [g/l]: 7