Earlier this year, Giuseppe Vaira was in Australia, sharing his wisdom on Piemonte, Barolo and the remarkable story of his family’s estate.
G.D. Vajra was founded in 1972 by Giuseppe’s father, Aldo Vaira, when he was just 15 years old. From those early days, the family has been one of the great progressive voices of Barolo, among the pioneers of organic farming in Piemonte and now one of the region’s most respected names.
2022 was not an easy vintage. A dry winter, very little water in the soil, intense summer heat and one of the earliest harvests many producers can recall all pointed to a difficult year. And yet, Barolo has a habit of finding beauty in adversity.
Reviewing the Vaira family’s 2022 releases, Antonio Galloni wrote, “This is a fine set of wines from the Vaira family”, which neatly sums up the vintage in the right hands.
The best 2022s are not built in the monumental, cellar-first mould of 2021. Instead, they are fragrant, polished and immediately engaging, with ripe tannins, generous red fruit and a freshness that defies the heat of the season.
Think of the 2022s as the Barolos to drink and enjoy while the 2019s and 2021s quietly come online.
2022 G.D. Vajra Barolo ‘Albe’
Albe is the family’s tribute to traditional Barolo. It is a blend of high-elevation vineyards where, each day, it sees three sunrises—or albe. Albe comprises Barolo DOCG vineyards with exposures ranging from south-south-east to south-west, situated at elevations between 380 and 480 metres above sea level.
“A very exuberant yet delicate nose of rose petals, clementine peel and raspberries. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red fruit and silky tannins. Very pleasant. Drink now or hold.” 94 points – jamessuckling.com
“Deeper red fruits, spice, orange peel, a little earthy, some perfume like rosehip. Medium to full-bodied, has freshness, a ripe lightly grainy grip to tannin, finishes clean and long. A really good Albe. Distinct, quite open, and already good to drink.” 94 points – Gary Walsh – The Winefront
2022 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole
Among the historical vineyards of Barolo, Bricco delle Viole is the highest and closest to the Alps. It rises from 400 to 480 metres above sea level on the western ridge of the village. Its name, “Hill of Violets”, originates from the flowers that blossom early thanks to the perfect south-facing exposure. Above the fog, Bricco delle Viole enjoys the earliest sunrise and the last sunset each day. Thanks to this pure light, a dramatic diurnal temperature range, and vines dating back to 1931, 1949, and 1968, Bricco delle Viole produces a profound Barolo of bright aromatics, chiselled tannins, and subtle minerality.
“Brilliant ruby colour. Aromas of dried roses, dark cherry and pomegranate, some raspberry as well, cinnamon and darker liquorice notes, mint and dried herb. The structure is taut and full-bodied, fruit sweetness concentrated and of good depth, spice interwoven, the tannins silky-fine and marrying well with the fruit which flows on with liquorice and spice to a lengthy conclusion. This is excellent.” 96 points – The Real Review
“A very absorbing nose, showing flowers, passion fruit, sandalwood and crunchy red berries. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with a detailed, precise tannin structure and tender fruit, finishing firm and focused. From one of the higher-altitude crus in Barolo. This needs two to three years to soften. Better from 2029.” 96 points – jamessuckling.com
“Good perfume here, red fruits, cherry, orange peel, mint and spice. Medium to full-bodied, has some freshness to acidity, poached strawberry plus something a little darker adding some richness, hazelnuts too, a spicy feel to tannin, finishing long with a tiny bit of warmth. It’s not at the top end of BdV releases, but it’s very good.” 95 points – Gary Walsh – The Winefront
2022 G.D. Vajra Barolo Coste di Rose
Coste di Rose is one of Barolo’s best-kept secrets, perched on a steep slope from Bosco della Fava down to Monforte d’Alba. On its sandy soils, Nebbiolo produces Barolos of distinctive character: cherry and rose, hints of mint and sweet spice, with silky tannins on the finish.
“Floral, as is typical of this estate, with crunchy red fruit and rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied, with a blanket of delicate, tender fruit defined by chalky, precise yet silky tannins. Drinkable now with proper aeration, but will improve with some bottle age.” 96 points – Jamessuckling.com
2022 G.D. Vajra Barolo Ravera
Ravera is recognised as the most important single vineyard in the Comune di Novello. It sits on a highly complex subsoil in which Tortonian marls intermix with Serravallian sandstones and clays. Our parcels are located in the southern amphitheatre, between 300 and 380 metres above sea level.
Tea, hibiscus, orange rind, sandalwood and dried flowers. Really aromatic and absorbing. Medium-bodied, with a transparent, ethereal sense of fruit and a backbone of tannins that gives definition all the way to the end.
“Unique balance, from the famed vineyard in Novello. Better from 2029.” 95 points – jamessuckling.com Jan 2026
