G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2020

G.D. Vajra is based in Vergne, the highest village in the Barolo zone, and Bricco delle Viole is one of its best sites, farmed by the family since the estate was founded in 1972. The wine is pure Nebbiolo, the grape that gives Barolo its pale colour, powerful tannin and haunting perfume. Altitude defines this cru: cooler air and a long ripening season on calcareous marl soils hold acidity and encourage the floral, high-toned aromatics for which the site is named, since bricco delle viole means hill of violets. Nebbiolo is slow to ripen and thick with tannin, so the wine is given extended barrel ageing, where gentle oxygen exchange softens that structure while keeping the fruit fresh. The colour is a translucent garnet. The nose is fragrant with red cherry, dried rose and a savoury note of leather, smoke and herbs. The palate is medium bodied but firmly structured, with high acidity, gripping tannin and a long, savoury finish. This rewards cellaring, but a good decant helps it now. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees in a large glass, with braised beef, game or aged cheese.