GD Vajra - Dolcetto - Alba, Piemonte, IT - 2024

Notes from the Winery/Importer

Vinification Estate grown grapes, Hand harvested, Indigenous yeast fermented, Stainless Steel Vat Fermented & Aged Soil Type Chalky Limestone, Clay, Marlstone Dolcetto is the flagship grape of Piemonte because the beguiling sweetness of its fruit is perfectly balanced by its ripe tannins, which make for a magical food wine that just comes alive at the table and brings everything else along with it. Vajra’s Dolcetto comes from grapes in the Barolo commune as well as from nearby Novello, still in the Barolo DOCG. Vinified and aged in stainless steel to retain the exuberant fresh fruit, it is aged in bottle for a few months before release in the summer following the harvest. Deep violet in color, the nose is of red and wild berries leaning to cherries w some herbal notes. The gentle tannins are a perfect match for the moderate, but very fresh acidity.

Notes on the Producer

​The estate of GD Vajra is situated in Vergne, the highest village in the Commune of Barolo. Its vineyards are planted with Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera at heights of 350-400 meters, which result in distinctive and aromatic wines. The Vajra family is a group of dedicated, passionate winegrowers, who are also grounded and sensitive to the human role in winemaking. Their philosophy remains faithful to the traditional and authentic wines of Piemonte, and in essence they regard themselves as the instruments that enable nature and the environment full self-expression through their wines.

Grapes & Style

Dolcetto

Dolcetto is a Piedmontese red grape whose name means “little sweet one,” referring more to the grape than to the finished wine. The wines are usually dry, fruit-forward, and meant for earlier drinking than Nebbiolo or many Barbera bottlings.

In the vineyard, Dolcetto ripens relatively early and can keep moderate acidity with noticeable tannin. That combination gives it a distinctive shape: soft, dark fruit up front, then a slightly firm, almond-like finish.

In the glass, Dolcetto often shows black cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, licorice, bitter almond, and a gentle earthy note. It’s a classic table wine because it’s flavorful without being too heavy, and the best versions are generous, savory, and easy to come back to.