G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera 2020

G.D. Vajra is a family winery founded in 1972 by Giuseppe Domenico Vajra in the hills above the town of Barolo, in Piedmont, now run by his son Aldo across 40 hectares and farmed with respect for the land. This Barolo comes from the single Ravera vineyard, lying 300 metres above sea level on complex soils of Tortonian marl mixed with clays and sandstones. That pale, calcareous marl and the cool altitude slow the late-ripening Nebbiolo, holding its high acidity and firm tannin while drawing out the grape's perfume. Barolo is aged in wood, where the long, slow oxygen exchange through the staves resolves Nebbiolo's powerful tannins over time and adds a savoury, spiced layer to the fruit. The wine is pale garnet, the typical colour of the grape. The nose is fragrant, with red cherry, wild strawberry and dried rose over tar, leather and tobacco. The palate is structured and firm, with high acidity, gripping tannin, liquorice and an earthy, mineral finish that reflects the marl. This is a wine to keep. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant well ahead. It suits braised beef, game and aged hard cheese.