G.D. Vajra
Summary
G.D. Vajra is a family-owned estate established in 1972 in Barolo's highest village of Vergne, farming 40 hectares of predominantly Nebbiolo vineyards situated between 350-480 meters elevation, where high-altitude sites contribute to their wines' elegant, aromatic profiles. Their winemaking philosophy blends traditional methods with precise execution, including organic farming since the 1970s, extended macerations, and aging exclusively in large Slavonian oak casks rather than new barriques.
Heritage & Leadership
G.D. Vajra was established in 1972 by Aldo Vaira in the Vergne hamlet of Barolo, Piedmont. The winery's name honors Aldo's father, Giuseppe Domenico Vajra. Aldo began his viticultural journey during the countercultural movement of the early 1970s, when he chose to return to his family's agricultural roots rather than pursue urban opportunities. The winery remains family-owned and operated, with Aldo and his wife Milena working alongside their children: Giuseppe (Beppe), who focuses on winemaking; Francesca, who manages marketing and communications; and Isidoro, who contributes to vineyard management.
The Vajra family's holdings sit in the highest village of Barolo at elevations between 350 and 480 meters above sea level, providing distinctive growing conditions within the region. In the early 1970s, Aldo became one of the first producers in Piedmont to adopt organic farming practices for his vineyards, a practice the family has maintained consistently. The winery's development has been characterized by gradual, thoughtful expansion, with strategic acquisitions of parcels in premium growing sites rather than rapid growth.
Vineyards & Wines
G.D. Vajra manages approximately 40 hectares of vineyards across several key sites in the Barolo DOCG and surrounding areas. Their primary holdings include parcels in Bricco delle Viole, Ravera, Coste di Rose, and Fossati. The Bricco delle Viole vineyard, situated at 400-480 meters above sea level with western exposure, features calcareous soils with significant clay content and produces the estate's signature Barolo. The Ravera cru in Novello, acquired in 2001, contains 30-60 year old vines in limestone-rich soils at 380 meters elevation.
The portfolio extends beyond Barolo to include Dolcetto d'Alba "Coste & Fossati," Barbera d'Alba "Superiore," and Nebbiolo Langhe. The winery also produces Freisa "Kyè," revitalizing this traditional Piedmontese variety. A distinctive offering is "Claré J.C.," a light-bodied Nebbiolo inspired by historical winemaking references from Thomas Jefferson's era. The estate's Riesling "Petracine" grows at 480 meters above sea level in sandy, limestone-rich soils, representing an unusual but successful non-indigenous planting in the region.
Philosophy & Practice
The Vajra family adheres to traditional winemaking methods enhanced by precise technical controls. Fermentation occurs primarily in vertical vats, allowing gentle extraction through natural gravity rather than mechanical intervention. For their Barolo wines, maceration periods extend from 20 to 30+ days depending on the vintage characteristics. The winery employs extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks (botti) ranging from 25 to 75 hectoliters, avoiding new oak barrique influence to preserve varietal expression.
Temperature control during fermentation is achieved through a system of water-filled copper tubes, a method that provides gentle, consistent temperature management. The family maintains a practice of late harvesting for their Nebbiolo, often picking later than neighboring estates to achieve phenolic ripeness while preserving acidity. In the vineyards, organic farming practices include cover cropping, natural pest management, and minimal intervention. The winery's construction incorporates gravity-flow design to minimize pumping and mechanical handling of the grapes and wine. This combination of traditional techniques with precise execution reflects the Vajra family's commitment to expressing the distinctive character of their high-altitude Barolo terroir.