2017 Bricco Delle Viole Barolo, G.D. Vajra, Piedmont, Italy
OVERVIEW
One of Barolo's barometer wines, the Bricco della Viole, from the highest vineyards of Barolo is a good measure of how a vintage performs. In the expert hands of G.D Vajra, this wine is both surprisingly bold and elegant.
2017 was a warm vintage and the grapes were harvested in the first week of October giving plenty of ripeness to this fresh and delicious Barolo. A wine that is approachable today but will improve over the coming two decades.
CRITIC REVIEWS
Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full-bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced. 96 Points. Wine Enthusiast
The 2017 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is the darker fruited of the G.D. Vajra sites and has rounded floral aromatics of crushed roses, resin, and cranberry cocktail. The palate is ripe and inviting, with building structure and notes of fresh red cherry, blood orange, and clove. The warmth of the vintage is felt without sacrificing lift. 96 Points. Jeb Dunnuck
Aromas of ripe strawberries and flowers follow through to a full body with firm, chewy tannins that are silky and very polished. That palate is very clear and precise. Attractive, if chewy finish. 95 Points. James Suckling
The G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is packed with medium dark cherry fruit and plum. The wine also shows a savory side, with spice, hazelnut cream, licorice and lightly fragrant potting soil. This vintage sits solid on the palate, wrapping thickly over the senses, thanks to its creamy, fruit-driven consistency and well-managed tannins. These vines are high in elevation, ranging from 400 to 480 meters in altitude. Those higher elevations are key to interpreting a vintage that saw heat such as this. 95 Points. Wine Advocate
FOOD PAIRING INSPIRATION
A bold and luscious Barolo with acres of structure, this Barolo will pair well with big meat dishes like steak, veal, osso buco, venison and any beef or game dish.
VINTAGE AND WINEMAKING
2017 was a vintage of extremes with plenty of rain, heat and challenging growing conditions. The yields were as low as they have been since 1947, however this didn't stop wines of exceptional quality being produced. The winter was mild but a spring frost lowered yields across much of Europe. The heat came in May and stayed for many months, the grapes were picked in the first week of October.
The wines are vinified in vertical vats with a punch down and rinsing of the cap that lasted around two months. Malo took place in stainless steel in the spring and the wines ages for 25 months in large Slavonian casks. The wine was bottled in mid July 2020.
PRODUCER NOTES
A pioneer in Barolo and the Piedmont through his lifetime, Aldo Vajra founded his estate in the 1970s and throughout this time has advocated wines from high altitude vineyards and developed wines from indigenousness grapes (like the amazing Freisa that Vajra have made their own) and brought grapes into the region to flourish like the Rhine Riesling.
The family still continue to innovate with research into soils and climate changes whilst managing to produce exceptional wines of power and finesse in every vintage.
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SERVICE AND STORAGE TIPS
This wine should be stored around 12°C and served between 16-18°C. We recommend a minimum of 3 hours decanting before approaching this wine.
DELIVERY INFORMATION
Delivery is free when you spend over £150. For orders under this amount then a £9.99 delivery charge will be applied.
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2017 Bricco Delle Viole Barolo, G.D. Vajra, Piedmont, Italy
| Wine Card | |
| Wine Producer | G.D Vajra |
| Wine Region | Piedmont |
| Wine Classification | Barolo DOCG |
| Wine Type | Red |
| Grape Variety | Nebbiolo |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Vintage Quality | Good - Excellent - Parker |
| Maturity | Will Improve with age |
| Body | Full Bodied |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Alcohol % | 14.5% |
| Bottle Type | Burgundy 75cl |
| Serving Temperature | 16-18°C |
| Food Pairing | Game, Veal, Steak, Beef |
| Awards | 96 Points - Wine Enthusiast |
| 96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck | |
| 95 Points - James Suckling |
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