Just in, winemaker Giuseppe Vaira of Vajra dropped by Graileys with a beautiful lineup of his family’s high altitude Piemontese wines. Although somewhat younger of an estate, having mostly sold their wines to negociants, Vajra is a small production house who’s wines are well known for their refined beauty, lifted aromatics and elegance. Today he showcased a stunning lineup from his crisp and bright Rose Rosabella and the crunchy minerally Riesling to his flagship Barolo, 2011 G.D Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole. All of these wines are very limited in Texas and well worth seeking out as they are truly soulful expressions of its region and varietal.
Giuseppe Viara- second generation winemaker of his family’s winery, Vajra.
2014 G.D Vajra Langhe Riesling Petracine- Brilliant aromatics, sleek minerality, bright lemongrass and white peach. This is a rare treat for a Riesling lover’s collection! Only 7 cases came to TX!
Fun Facts: Vajra was the first to plant Riesling on the higher slopes of Piedmont and the word Petracine is an ancient name for Riesling, which you will see hidden in the vines on the label.
The 2011 G. D Vajra Barolo Albe was one of the highlights of the flight. The nose just explodes from the glass with crushed red cherries and forest floor. The texture is gorgeous with ripe, sweet tannins with flavors that are warm and welcoming. Overall, the Albe is a wonderfully sophisticated Barolo for any occasion that well overachieves for its price point.
Albe is a blend of three different vineyards from three different altitudes.
The standout was his flagship Barolo- 2011 G.D Vajra Barolo Bricco dell Viole and it is beautiful! Only 550 cases are made from 67 year old vines of their small parcel in Bricco dell Viole and this elegant Barolo blew us away! We were all so impressed with its silky, creamy texture, its incredibly graceful and refined nature and its multidimensional layers! Crushed wild red cherry, explosive aromatics of wild rose and violets, red tea and soft eucalyptus beautifully integrated with dense spice, leather and hints of iron; these flavors just stayed on the tongue for moments well after the final sip. This is a very impressive, seductive Barolo and one of the most elegant that we have had of the vintage yet!
