G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2022

G.D. Vajra is a family estate in the Langhe of Piedmont, where the autumn fog that gives Nebbiolo its name settles over the vineyards at harvest. Albe draws fruit from several sites across the Barolo zone, a blend that gives a rounded, approachable expression of the appellation. The calcareous marl soils of the Langhe and the marked diurnal swing between warm days and cold nights let Nebbiolo ripen slowly while holding its high acidity and firm tannin. The wine is aged for around three years in thirty-six large Slavonian oak casks, vessels whose size limits oxygen contact and oak flavour so the fruit and the variety's structure stay to the fore, softening the tannins gradually without adding obvious wood character. The colour is pale garnet, classic for Nebbiolo. The nose is fragrant with red cherry, dried rose and violet, moving into tobacco, leather and earth with air. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, the tannins fine and persistent, the finish long and marked by liquorice and dried herbs. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It calls for braised beef, game and mushroom dishes.