2020 G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe

The true Beauty of Albe is the caress of the sun that rises three times every morning over our vineyards. It’s the exceptional simplicity of nature that makes the awakening of life an everyday miracle. – Milena Vaira.

Albe is our tribute to traditional Barolo and its ‘Maestri’. This is a blend of high-elevation vineyards where, every day, we see three beautiful sunrises – or Albe. The 2020 Albe is already expressive, with layers of red fruits and a generous, textured mouthfeel. 100% Nebbiolo.

Albe is a blend of Barolo DOCG vineyards with exposures that range from south-south-east to south-west, at high elevation between 380 and 480 m above sea level.

In 2020 the fruit for our Barolo Albe was picked between October 1st and 14th. Grapes were sorted manually three times: directly on the vine, as whole clusters on the sorting tables and lastly as single berries after destemming. Vinification was carried out in custom-designed vertical tini, with gentle punch down and pump-overs. We had a diversity of maceration lengths, from 27 up to 57 days (the latter case, under submerged-cap). Spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel during the following spring.  It was aged 26 months in large Slavonian oak casks of 40, 50 and 75 hectolitres. Bottling on July 10th 2023.

2020 Barolo Albe shows an expressive nose with aromas of fresh cherries, crushed stones and roses. The mouthfeel is bright and energetic, with generous mouthfeel and a youthful tannic structure enriched by notes of raspberry and orange zest. Long, textural finish. – Vajra

Red fruits, strawberry springs to mind, sage and mint, almond friand. It’s a bright wine, all red fruits with a smattering of dried herb, orange rind, kind of succulent too, with a light crushed rock feel to tannin, perhaps just a little bit raspy, but the finish is perfumed and lively, and offers excellent length. It’s a charming wine, though maybe not so long term. I like it. It has vigour and personality. 93 points. Gary Walsh, The Winefront May 2024

Described as ‘the first post-modernist Barolo’. Great to drink young yet ageworthy, too. Blend of three high vineyards, Fossati, La Volta and Coste di Vergne in the commune of Barolo, each vinified separately. Maceration is 20–30 days. No more than 18 months in botte for the last 15 years or so. They want to keep freshness and decide on the exact blend for Albe only just before bottling. Intense, mineral and racy. Edgy and quite modern. But a bit dry on the end. 16/20. Jancis Robinson Jan 2024

This is a bright and lively Barolo showing sliced oranges, raspberries, crushed stones and rose petals on the nose. Medium-bodied, with sharp acidity and tight tannins. Lots of energy. 93 points. Zekun Shuai, JamesSuckling.com Feb 2024

The 2020 Barolo Albe is light-bodied, elegant and gracious. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and dried herbs are all nicely lifted. Bright acids and nervy tannins give the wine its shape and overall character. The Albe is meant to be an entry-level offering, but I find it often blossoms with a year or two in bottle. The Albe is not terribly complex in 2020, but it’s a delight. 90 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Nov 2023