# Bricco delle Viole (2021)

- **Producer:** G.D. Vajra
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €90
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, red cherry, rose, dried fruit, leather, earth, mushroom, tar, dried rose

## About this wine

The G.D. Vajra Barolo 'Bricco delle Viole' 2021 hails from one of Barolo's most esteemed and highest-altitude vineyards, known for its 'Hill of Violets' namesake flowers. This MGA vineyard, situated on the western ridge of the Barolo village, benefits from exceptional sun exposure and proximity to the Alps, contributing to its unique character. The wine is produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown on ancient vines, some planted as early as 1931. G.D. Vajra, a family estate, has a long-standing commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices, pioneered by founder Aldo Vajra. The 2021 vintage, marked by a dry season and late harvest, yielded grapes with high acidity and robust phenolics, resulting in a wine of notable freshness and complexity.

## Interesting facts

- The vineyard's name comes from violets that bloom early due to its high altitude and southern exposure.
- It's the highest vineyard in the Barolo commune, situated close to the Alps.
- Vines in this vineyard date back to 1931, 1949, and 1968.
- G.D. Vajra began organic farming in 1971, making them early adopters in Piedmont.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity and refined tannins cut through the richness of braised meats and game, while its complex aromatics complement earthy flavors. Aged cheeses find a perfect partner in the wine's structure and persistence.

## Wine making process

The winemaking for G.D. Vajra's Barolo 'Bricco delle Viole' 2021 emphasizes traditional techniques with a focus on gentle extraction and extended maturation. Grapes are meticulously sorted before undergoing fermentation in custom vertical tanks with gentle punch-downs and a long maceration period of 51 days using the submerged cap method. Malolactic fermentation occurs in stainless steel. The wine is then aged for 24 months in large Slavonian oak casks (25 and 50 hectoliters), allowing for gradual integration and development before bottling. G.D. Vajra is also recognized for its pioneering adoption of organic farming practices in Piedmont, dating back to 1971.