At a glance

Producer

G.D. Vajra

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

USD $95-$140 (750ml, global retail average as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Red cherry, violet, raspberry, rose petal, sweet herbs, licorice, fine balsam, spices. Taut, precise, with big tannins and acidity.

Evolution: Expands, gains truffle, tar, autumn leaves, dried cherry and earthy undertones; tannins soften, secondary/tertiary notes emerge 8-15 years out.

At peak: Full aromatic and textural complexity from 2030 onward, with savory and floral depth.

Structure

Acidity

High, fresh and lively

Tannins

High, firm but elegant—typical of top Barolo sites

Alcohol

13.5-14.5% ABV (vintage dependent, typically 14%)

Aging potential

Excellent; 20+ years possible under optimal conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2029 to 2051

Optimal window

2026 to 2054

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Young, vibrant, structured; tannins firm, fruit present but tight

G.D. Vajra’s Bricco delle Viole is from one of Barolo’s highest, coolest crus, yielding Nebbiolo of refinement and great longevity. The 2019 vintage is classic with balance and structure, requiring 8+ years cellaring before it opens fully, then holding for over a decade at its peak.

Food pairing

Classic pairings: braised beef (osso buco, brasato al Barolo), mushroom risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, truffle and game dishes, rich poultry (duck, guinea fowl)

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The high tannins and medium body of the 2019 Barolo benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance the wine's aromatic complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Hand-harvesting, no herbicides/pesticides, biodiversity encouragement, use of green manure, minimal-intervention winemaking, use of recyclable cork and lighter bottles, solar panel installation at estate, water recapture in winery

G.D. Vajra is a family-run Barolo producer championing sustainable, organic methods for over 20 years. Though lacking full organic/biodynamic certification (as of 2024), they refrain from synthetic chemicals, focus on low-impact vineyard/workforce practices, and increasingly use eco-friendly packaging/renewable energy. The winery’s relatively small size helps—though international shipping remains their main footprint source. Overall, strong sustainability ethos, progressive environmental stewardship, and tangible impact—near or at the top level for non-certified Piedmontese producers.