‘From the Dolcettos all the way up to the top Barolos… The number of estates that operate on this level is pretty small.’ – Vinous
Drink like the locals do. And if that means enjoying what the Barolo kings and queens drink on a daily basis, then Dolcetto, Barbera and Langhe Nebbiolo should be on the table. All three are bright, juicy and exceptionally food-friendly, with the Langhe Nebbiolo bringing a little more tannin and structure in the glass.
GD Vajra’s beloved Dolcetto is a staple of Piedmontese life and makes for superb early drinking, offering Cinsault-like freshness, fruitiness and gentle grip. ‘Pop rocks meet purple plums in this electric Dolcetto,’ says Wine Enthusiast. Vinous calls it a ‘delight’ – a ‘super classical, understated Dolcetto’.
The 2024 Barbera recently had tasters guessing it was a top-cru Beaujolais. Darker fruit, florals and a silky, stony finish make this seriously moreish, with subtle complexity. ‘Give it a slight chill and watch it become the life of the party’ (Wine Enthusiast).
‘One of the early lessons I was taught was simple but powerful,’ shares Antonio Galloni, ‘buy the least expensive wine from the best producers.’ GD Vajra’s Langhe Nebbiolo 2024 is often made from the same renowned parcels as the estates’ Barolos and Barbarescos. It’s lively and layered, with roses, tart cherries, wild strawberries and bay leaf, underpinned by fine tannins, fresh acidity and proper length.
The Vajras are among the best people to work with in Italy – humble, honest and with wines highly regarded by critics, sommeliers and wine lovers alike. Whether in Italy or South Africa, these three reds should be your summer go-tos.
Tasting Notes:
‘Pop rocks meet purple plums in this electric Dolcetto that refuses to sit still. Violets and damson fruits burst from the glass with teenage energy, while the palate crackles with fresh blackberries and bright acidity. It’s the kind of wine that makes you wish all serious things could be this much fun.’ – Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast, 93/100
‘A jewelled magenta/ruby hue, the 2024 Barbera d’Alba offers aromas of black raspberries and crushed flowers. Medium-bodied, it’s refreshing yet ripe, with a subtle roundness and silky, stony texture that carries through the finish.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, 93/100
‘Bright as a just-picked cherry, this Nebbiolo zips across the palate like lightning in a summer storm. Rose petals and almost-ripe raspberries dance with wisps of bay leaf, while tart cherries and red currants build like a wave, letting the savory herbs play between their bright beats. It’s a lesson in how to make a serious wine sing for everyone’s table.’ – Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast, 94/100
