Piedmont

Only the best 30% of this co-operative’s wine is kept back for their own labels, and they really deliver on flavour and style. All the fruit is handpicked to ensure maximum freshess, and these are two incredibly refreshing wines.

‘Albe’ translates as ‘sunrises’. The three vineyards that contribute to this blend overlook the commune of Barolo from different aspects, each experiencing daybreak in a different way. Fossati and La Volta both lie on Sant’Agata fossil marl and Coste di Vergne on limestone marl, with vines ranging from 16 to 50 years old.

The 4.79-hectare 'Bricco delle Viole' vineyard is one of the highest in Barolo at 400-480 metres above sea level. It sits above the fog and benefits from the earliest sunrise and latest sunset in the area, aiding the slow ripening of the grapes. One parcel of vines was planted in 1949 and yields less than 30 hectolitres per hectare.

Ravera is a cru (MGA) vineyard on amphitheatre-shaped slopes in the south-west quadrant of the Barolo zone. The favourable exposure together with the soil, a mix of iron-rich clay and sand, translates into a vibrant and dense wine that promises evolution over time.

Freisa is an ancient local grape variety and one of the closest relations to Nebbiolo.  Part of Piemonte’s history, this variety is now fighting for survival. ‘Kyè’ is Vajra’s homage to this rare treasure, produced from the San Ponzio vineyard. The site was planted in 1980 and sits at the foot of Bricco delle Viole, at around 400m altitude.

These grapes come from younger Nebbiolo vines, destined for Barolo DOCG, in Vajra’s vineyards in the communes of Barolo and Novello. Grapes from the steep south-facing terraces of the wonderful Roccabella vineyard, in the commune of Sinio, further enrich the blend.

Coste di Rose is a cru (MGA) in the Comune di Barolo, and one of the region’s best-kept secrets, nestled between Cannubi and Bussia. It is located on the top of the hill, at an altitude of 310m, and benefits from the cooling influence of a forest below.

The 2018 vintage was characterised by early flowering and then a cool, wet summer which provided challenges in the vineyards to avoid downy and powdery mildew, which was avoided and allowed the fruit to ripen slowly, a benefit for Nebbiolo.

The 2018 vintage was characterised by early flowering and then a cool, wet summer which provided challenges in the vineyards to avoid downy and powdery mildew, which was avoided and allowed the fruit to ripen slowly, a benefit for Nebbiolo.