G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole 2018

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 here due to the perfect south exposure. Up
above the fogs, Bricco delle Viole enjoys the earliest sunrise and the last sunset
every day. Thanks to its vines dating back to 1949 and -now- 1931, a dramatic
diuturnal temperature range and this pure light, Bricco delle Viole generates a
sophisticated and profound Barolo DOCG of bright aromatics, chiseled tannins
and subtle minerality.
2018 is a vintage that shows many nuances of Bricco delle Viole: beyond the
signature verticality of this site, the wine offers high tones laced with mineral
nuances and plenty of energy and youth.

GROWING: In 1971, Aldo Vajra, then still a university student, was one of the
earliest to adopt organic farming in Piemonte. Vineyards have been nurtured, and
soil preserved, by grassing and spontaneous cover crop for almost 50 years now.
They are sustainable and organic certified. With an incredible ratio of manual work
per hectare, farming at Vajra is a labor of love and “recipe-free” attention. Intense
research is also placed into monitoring and improving the biodiversity of both
flora and fauna not just in the vineyards, but also in the winery fields and forests.

VINTAGE: The 2018 vintage was marked by copious flowering, gradual ripening
and one of the latest harvests of the past decade.
The rainfall was abundant, especially in May, and the dedication and commitment
in the vineyards were equally exceptional. We worked a lot by hand, so as not to
compact the land, and we waited all the time necessary, harvesting the Dolcetto at
the end of September and the Nebbiolo for our Baroli at the end of October. A lot
of tenacious work and a scrupulous selection of the bunches gifted us beautiful,
tasty grapes, with deliciously scented fruit and a juice that reddened when pressed.
This is a particularly favorable year for the best exposed sites and for high elevation
and well ventilated vineyards. All the wines are fragrant, deliciously aromatic, with
fine tannins and a balance reminiscent of 2004. Like all late vintages, the 2018
Barolos require patience, yet offer gorgeous drinkability today already.

HARVEST AND WINEMAKING: Bricco delle Viole is one of the last vineyards
to be picked. In 2018, fruit was picked over multiple days between October 14th
and 23rd. Grapes were sorted manually three times: directly on the vine, as whole
clusters on the sorting tables, and lastly as single berries after destemming.
Vinification is traditional, and is carried in custom-designed vertical tini, with
gentle punch down and rinsing of the cap, followed by an extensive period of
maceration under submerged cap (cappello sommerso). Malolactic in stainless
steel, the following spring.

AGING: The 2018 Barolo Bricco delle Viole aged in large Slavonian casks of 25
and 50hL for around 30-42 months. It is usually bottled in the summer before the
release.

TASTING NOTES: The 2018 Barolo Bricco delle Viole shows the signature
verticality of its vineyard. The wine is beautifully layered and - while restrained as
it’s always the case in the youth of Bricco delle Viole - it also shows a complexity
of layers with purple flowers, sweet spices and mineral tones. The palate is noble,
with a refined acid spine and profound tannins that promise a long aging potential.