# Barolo Albe (2020)

- **Producer:** G.D. Vajra
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €39
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, rose, raspberry, red plum, earth, wet stones

## About this wine

The G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2020 is a 100% Nebbiolo from the Barolo DOCG appellation in Piedmont, Italy. The grapes are sourced from G.D. Vajra's high-elevation vineyards, situated between 380 and 480 meters above sea level. G.D. Vajra is a family-owned estate founded by Aldo Vajra, known for its long-standing commitment to traditional winemaking and organic viticulture. The 'Albe' name refers to the three sunrises visible from their estate vineyards. The 2020 vintage was a long growing season, with a late harvest in October, yielding wines with prominent red fruit and robust tannins.

## Interesting facts

- Albe signifies 'sunrises' in Italian, reflecting the three sunrises visible from G.D. Vajra's vineyards.
- G.D. Vajra has practiced organic farming since 1971, with nearly 50 years of nurturing vineyards with grassing and spontaneous cover crops.
- The 2020 Barolo Albe was ranked #9 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2024.
- This wine is aged for 26 months in large Slavonian oak casks, a traditional method for Barolo.

## Food pairing

The wine's robust tannins and medium+ body are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb, beef, and duck. The wine's bright acidity cuts through fatty elements, while its savory and earthy notes harmonize with ingredients like mushrooms, root vegetables, and truffles.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2020 begins with meticulous triple sorting of the Nebbiolo grapes. Vinification takes place in custom-designed vertical vats, employing gentle punch-downs and pump-overs during maceration periods that range from 27 to 57 days. Malolactic fermentation occurs spontaneously in stainless steel. The wine then undergoes aging for 26 months in large Slavonian oak casks of varying sizes (40, 50, and 75 hectoliters).