DESCRIPTION: Our Barbera d’Alba DOC Superiore is the selection of the most
heroic estate vines. Grown on steep slopes, rooted in limestone, these vines yield
a tiny if beautiful crop. The fruit, here, is characterized by small berries, thick skins
and fragrant flavors.
2021 is a vintage of great intensity and depth, with crushed fruits and balsamic
tones saturating the palate.
VARIETY: 100% Barbera.
VINEYARD AND TERROIR: A selection of the oldest and lowest yielding estate
vineyards.
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: 2021 vintage is set to provide some world class wines. Despite a frost
alert in the spring, and a few violent hailstorms during summer, the season was
generally very positive, moderately dry and with late harvests. All grapes have
abundance of acidity and good phenolics, and the shortage of nitrogen in the fruit
allowed for some of the longest and most gentle fermentations in recent years.
HARVEST AND WINEMAKING: In 2021 fruit was picked between September
23th and 28th. Vinification lasted 30 to 40 days on average, with a partial
submerged cap in recent vintages. Gentle punch down and pump overs at free
temperature below 29°C. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in stainless-steel
vats.
AGING: The 2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore aged for 9 months, including almost
6 months in large Slavonian casks. Bottled on August 19th, 2022.
TASTING NOTES: Dark ruby color. The nose opens with aromas of plum and
purple fruits, crushed rocks, a whiffle of forest floor, sandal and balsamic tones. A
saturating palate, with tones of purple fruits, a profound texture and a reminiscence
of Barbera fruit skin. Supple tannic structure and a deep resonant/ never ending
finish.