Region: Alba, Piedmont, Italy

Varietal: 100% Barbera

Tasting Notes: A deep purple/magenta color, the 2023 Barbera D'Alba offers loads of fresh lavender, fresh blackberries, red plum, and delicate, fresh herbs, and spice. (I love the nose on this vintage.) On the palate, the wine has a fantastically refreshing feel and a clean finish, with a lot of charm and versality.

Producer: G.D. Vajra is one of the most respected and quietly influential estates in Barolo, founded in the early 1970s by Aldo Vaira—a pioneer who embraced organic farming long before it was fashionable in Piedmont. Located in Vergne, the highest village in the Barolo zone, the winery has become synonymous with elegance, precision, and authenticity. What sets Vajra apart is not just its deep respect for tradition, but also its thoughtful innovation. While the estate is best known for its Barolo, its devotion to Barbera is unwavering. The grape has always held a special place in the family’s heart, treated with the same meticulous care as their most prestigious bottlings—a philosophy that is readily apparent in this wine.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The Barbera d'Alba 2023 is crafted from estate vineyards primarily located in Barolo and nearby communes, where the elevation and diurnal shifts preserve freshness and vibrancy in the grapes. The soils, a mix of clay and limestone, lend depth and structure to the wine without sacrificing Barbera’s natural liveliness. Harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel to retain purity of fruit, the wine then sees a brief élevage in large neutral barrels and tank, preserving its freshness while allowing the flavors to knit together. Vajra’s approach is low-intervention but highly attentive, with every step designed to highlight the varietal’s innate brightness and generous personality.