Freisa Langhe DOC “Kyè” 2021 – G.D. Vajra

The grapes to produce the Freisa Langhe DOC “Kyè” G.D. Vajra were picked earlier than others. Careful pre-fermentation selection was essential for this variety. It was sorted by hand three times: on the vine, as a small amount of whole bunches on sorting tables and as single berries after destemming. Fermentation took place in vertical vats for 25 days, with a small amount of grapes that underwent a period of maceration under submerged cap.This was followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation. This wine was aged for 10 months in a mix of oak casks and barrels and was bottled earlier on the 30th May 2019. As a result, the wine is a bit more scented and softer than it used to be.

Grapes for this wine are sourced from the San Ponzio vineyard in the commune of Barolo. They are grown at an altitude of 390-410 metres above sea level, on a clay-rich soil. The vines are the result of a massale selection from an old vineyard and it was planted by Aldo Vaira in 1980. Two more blocks include Bergera and Novello.

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.