G.D. Vajra 'Bricco delle Viole', Barolo DOCG, Italy

The 2018 G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole, Barolo DOCG, Italy, is a masterful expression of one of Barolo’s highest and most iconic vineyards. Perched between 400 and 480 meters on the western ridge of the Barolo commune, this storied site, known as the “Hill of Violets”, enjoys pristine light exposure, diurnal temperature shifts, and soils rich in calcareous marl, resulting in wines of remarkable elegance and aromatic clarity. The 2018 vintage captures the hallmark finesse and verticality of Bricco delle Viole, offering a wine both youthful and age-worthy.

Product Details:

• Winemakers: Aldo Vajra 
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• ABV: 14.5%
• Vineyard: Bricco delle Viole MGA, Comune di Barolo
• Farming: Organic and sustainable; certified organic
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeast; vertical tini with gentle punch-downs
• Aging: 30–42 months in large Slavonian oak casks
• Harvest: Hand-harvested between October 14–23, 2018
• Soils: Calcareous marl at high elevation
• First planted: 1949 and 1931

Sensory Description:

The 2018 Bricco delle Viole reveals its pedigree in a restrained, layered bouquet of violets, sweet spices, crushed minerals, and mountain herbs. On the palate, it's finely etched and noble, delivering juicy red berries, iron-tinged earth, and hints of lavender and bay leaf. Its chiseled tannins and vibrant acidity frame the wine beautifully, promising decades of graceful evolution. The finish is long, lifted, and mineral-driven, quintessentially Barolo and unmistakably Vajra.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded by Aldo Vajra in the 1960s, G.D. Vajra is a beacon of quality in Barolo, revered for its Burgundian-style Nebbiolos and commitment to sustainable, low-intervention viticulture. Farming has been organic since 1971, and the estate's holistic approach includes biodiversity preservation, meticulous manual labor, and a dedication to vineyard expression. Today, the Vajra family manages around 40 hectares, with the Bricco delle Viole cru forming the crown jewel of their portfolio.

Serving Suggestions:

Decant the 2018 G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole for at least two hours before serving at 60–65°F (15–18°C). It pairs magnificently with truffle risotto, braised veal, wild mushroom tagliatelle, or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. This is a wine to contemplate slowly, or to cellar and revisit over the next 20–30 years.

2018 G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole, Barolo DOCG, Italy is a vivid portrait of a vineyard that sits above the fog, bathed in alpine light and storied history. Pure, precise, and profoundly expressive, it is a true ambassador of Barolo’s timeless nobility.