Vajra Albe Barolo 2016
It’s interesting that people fall over themselves to buy Barolo from single crus, and yet, many of the best wines come from a range of different ones. This edition of Albe is right up there with the 2010 and 2013 in terms of quality. Red cherry, raspberry, roses, almond biscotti, mint and exotic spices. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and bright in red fruit flavour, but with a savoury tobacco and dried herb edge. Tannin is firm, with a fine chalk dust texture, and clean acidity drives it along so nicely. Finish is firm and long, with a pretty perfume as it goes. Charming, yet serious. It’s a really good release. 94+ points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front August 2020
The high-elevation vineyards for Barolo Albe have an exposure ranging from south-south-east to south-west. The grapes are usually picked in the second half of the Nebbiolo harvest. Vinification is done in custom-designed vertical vats, with gentle punch down and pumpovers. Maceration lasts 25 days on average. Malolactic conversion occurs in stainless steel the following spring. Albe rests on average between 30 and 36 months in large (40, 50 and 75hL) Slavonian oak casks. The wine is usually racked once a year. Blending is decided in the spring prior to bottling. Giuseppe Vaira
If you were to consider the entire portfolio of wines made in the Barolo appellation, this wine always stands in its own little corner. Albe is a brand on its own, and it represents one of the most versatile, accessible and well-priced Baroli to emerge from the appellation. The G.D. Vajra 2016 Barolo Albe sets off on the right foot, offering forthcoming intensity with forest fruit, wild cherry, crushed stone and blue flowers. Winemaking is straightforward in stainless steel, and the wine finishes in Slavonian oak casks. 94 points. Monica Larner, Wine Advocate July 2020
