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SKU 936243
$30.02/bottle
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I’m told that this is probably the last vintage in which the 2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore Viola delle Viole will carry the name Viola delle Viole. In yet another unfortunate nod to climate change, Barbera vines suffer from the floral disease Flavescence dorée that causes the plants to shut down and the fruit to remain unripened. Barbera, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most hard-hit by the sickness. Freisa and Nebbiolo are resistant, and those varieties are planted around the rims of vineyards today as a protective barrier. As a result, Barbera vines in Bricco delle Viole (one of two sites present in this blend, the other being Bricco Bertone outside the Barolo area) were taken out. Barbera tends to produce wines with high alcohol, but the Vajra team prefers to reach optimal fruit maturity and is less concerned about alcohol. The grape always has high acidity, but that is “a problem that is going away on its own,” says Isidoro Vaira. Bricco delle Viole gives the wine its floral aromas and Bricco Bertone adds a sweet almond-like flavor. There is a seven- to eight-day harvest difference between the two sites. This wine ages in large oak casks for 16 months.
For centuries now, the beautiful red grapes of the Barbera varietal have been grown in Italy, where they are prized for their unusual high acid content and low tannins, brought about by their thin skins. The Barbera grape varietal thrives in warmer climates, and has had some success overseas in the new world, where its strongly aromatic flavors of intense hedgerow fruits make it a favorite with wineries and wine drinkers looking for a grape which offers plenty of interesting characteristics. Interestingly, the differences between young and aged wines made from this varietal are quite significant, with younger bottles holding a plethora of berry flavors, including blueberry and raspberry notes, and oak aged wines made from the Barbera grape being much loved for their ability to become extremely complex and spicy, and picking up vanilla flavors from the wood they are barreled in.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Piedmont
Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.
Appellation
Alba
Alba, situated in the heart of the Piedmont region in Italy, is a charming wine appellation celebrated for its exceptional red wines, notably Barolo and Barbaresco. Home to the Nebbiolo grape, Alba’s unique terroir, marked by chalky soils and a favorable microclimate, imparts distinctive characteristics to these wines. Barolo, known as the “King of Wines,” exhibits bold tannins and complex flavors of red fruit, roses, and tar, while Barbaresco offers a more approachable elegance. Alba’s winemaking tradition, deeply rooted in centuries-old practices, coexists with a commitment to innovation. The annual International Truffle Fair in Alba adds to its allure, showcasing the seamless harmony between wine and local culinary treasures. Alba stands as a beacon of Piedmontese winemaking, inviting enthusiasts to savor the nuanced expressions of Nebbiolo in this captivating Italian appellation.
WA93pts
Wine Advocate
I'm told that this is probably the last vintage in which the 2021 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Viola delle Viole will carry the name Viola delle Viole. In yet another unfortunate nod to climate change, Barbera vines suffer from the floral disease Flavescence dorée that causes the plants to shut down and the fruit to remain unripened. Barbera, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most hard-hit by the sickness. Freisa and Nebbiolo are resistant, and those varieties are planted around the rims of vineyards today as a protective barrier. As a result, Barbera vines in Bricco delle Viole (one of two sites present in this blend, the other being Bricco Bertone outside the Barolo area) were taken out. Barbera tends to produce wines with high alcohol, but the Vajra team prefers to reach optimal fruit maturity and is less concerned about alcohol. The grape always has high acidity, but that is "a problem that is going away on its own," says Isidoro Vaira. Bricco delle Viole gives the wine its floral aromas and Bricco Bertone adds a sweet almond-like flavor. There is a seven- to eight-day harvest difference between the two sites. This wine ages in large oak casks for 16 months.
DC92pts
Decanter
From Bricco Bertoni, across the road from Bricco Falletto, a naturally low-yielding site on a steep, terraced marl slope. Vibrant purple in colour with aromas of spiced plum, sour cherries and herbal touches, it features a super-intense, saline attack with concentration of bright red and black fruits. Vertical, with prickly spice and very fresh acidity, there is sapidity, depth and vibrancy evident here. Wow.
Winery Notes
An outstanding example of Barbera from old vines, some dating back to 1949. Strained, deeply rooted plants produce the most tasteful berries. Vajra Barbera Superiore is a wine of intense aromatics, structure and longevity.
