G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2020

96 POINTS - VINOUS Antonio Galloni
"The 2020 Barolo Bricco delle Viole, Vajra’s flagship, is very fine. Dark cherry, kirsch, blood orange, spice and lavender are nicely amplified. The 2020 is gracious and elegant, but its youthful Nebbiolo tannins will require some time to soften. The 2020 is another wine that captures my keen interest with its sublime balance. I would be thrilled to own it."

Bricco delle Viole is the vineyard that taught us patience and naturally guided the style
of our craft. - Aldo Vaira

Among the historical vineyards of Barolo, Bricco delle Viole is the highest and the closest
to the Alps. It rises from 400 to 480 meters above sea level, on the Western ridge of the
village. Its name, “Hill of Violets”, originates from the flowers that blossom early, thanks
to the perfect south exposure. Up above the fogs, Bricco delle Viole enjoys the earliest
sunrise and the last sunset every day.

Thanks to this pure light, a dramatic diuturnal temperature range and the age of its vines
dating back to 1931, Bricco delle Viole generates a profound Barolo of bright aromatics, chiselled tannins and subtle minerality. 100% Nebbiolo. Bricco delle Viole MGA, Comune di Barolo.

In 2020, fruit was harvested over three days, on October 7th, 10th and 13th. Grapes were sorted manually three times: directly on the vine, as whole clusters on the sorting tables, and lastly as single berries after destemming. A traditional vinification was carried in custom-designed vertical tini, with gentle punch-downs and rinsing of the cap, followed by an extensive period of maceration under submerged cap (cappello sommerso) that lasted 57 days. Malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel in the following spring. 28 months of aging in large Slavonian casks of 25 and 50 hectolitres. Bottled on July 12th 2023.

2020 Bricco delle Viole is a wine of finesse and mystery. Enticing nose of blue violets, dried rose petals, kirsch, blood orange. The palate is elegant, driven by tapered energy and youthful tannins that promise a very long aging potential. Long lasting finish upholstered with whiffles of cherry, wild berries and a subtle minerality.