2009 Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba

Piedmont, Italy

Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba is a red wine gem from Piedmont made from the Dolcetto grape, "little sweet one," named for its naturally low acidity. But Dolcetto can be anything but little or sweet. The estate of G.D. Vajra, situated in Vergne the highest village in the Commune of Barolo, was established in 1972 by Giuseppe Domenico. Milena and Aldo Vaira are the current owners. Both have worked the vineyards since the early 1970s. Vajra currently owns 40 sustainably farmed hectares in such strategic spots as Bricco delle Viole, Fossati, La Volta, Coste di Vergne. The vineyards are planted with Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera at elevations between 350-400 meters, which results in distinctive and aromatic wines. This wine received a 90-point rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. In the words of its tough critic Antonio Galloni, "Aldo and Milena Vajra craft some of the most beautiful, original wines in all of Italy. Frankly, it is impossible to go wrong with any of these superb bottles. The 2009 Dolcetto d’Alba is everything Dolcetto should be; fresh, varietally correct and clean. Here all of those qualities are given an extra measure of elegance and sheer class." Don't miss it!

Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba is dark violet in color with a nose and flavors of cherries, red berries, mint, licorice and mineral notes. It is fruit-forward and food-friendly, with no oak. Enjoy now through 2015. The finish is long and pleasing.

Enjoy Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba with lasagna, roast duck, grilled chicken and vegetarian dishes.