Barolo DOCG “Ravera” 2019 – G.D. Vajra

The grapes to produce the Barolo DOCG “Ravera” G.D. Vajra were sorted manually three times: first, directly on the vine; second, as whole clusters on the sorting table; and lastly, as single berries after destemming. Vinification took place in custom-designed, open-top vats with gentle punch downs and rinsing of the cap. Maceration lasted 45-55 days, including a period of submerged cap for 15-20 days. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks. Ageing took place in large Slavonian casks of 25 and 50HL for 25 months. The wine was bottled on July 14th 2020.

Ravera is a cru vineyard located in the southwest quadrant of the Barolo zone. The vineyard runs north to south across the communes of Barolo and Novello. The soil here is a mix of iron-rich clay and sand, that is uncompacted and offers good permeability and drainage. This translates into a very vibrant yet dense wine that promises evolution over time. The vineyard has been farmed since 2001 but produced Langhe Nebbiolo until 2008. Today it produces a Barolo with fine aromas, sapid flavour and great complexity.

Aldo Vaira’s wines are characterised by pristine flavours and clearly defined perfumes. These characters are attributable to the position of his vineyards at about 400 metres above sea level in the village of Vergne in the commune of Barolo. G.D. Vajra was established in 1972 and named after Aldo’s father, Giuseppe Domenico Vajra. Aldo has been gradually increasing the area under vine to 60 hectares, of which 10 are Nebbiolo for Barolo, located in such strategic spots as Bricco delle Viole, Fossati, La Volta and Coste di Vergne. A traditionalist, Aldo adheres to old-style winemaking methods, though blends these with new techniques, such as temperature-controlled fermentation, to produce such superbly elegant wines.