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THE VAIRA FAMILY: ALDO VAIRA AND MILENA VAIRA WITH THEIR CHILDREN GIUSEPPE VAIRA, <strong>FR</strong>ANCESCA VAIRA AND ISIDORO VAIRA<br />
G.D. VAJRA - HISTORY, RESPECT AND RESEARCH<br />
In Turin in 1968, Aldo Vaira was fifteen years old and dreamt of living surrounded by nature.<br />
The desire to take over the family vineyards led him to leave city life and begin this adventure.<br />
A pioneer in organic farming, he obtained one of the first certificates awarded in Piedmont<br />
in the early 1970s. His wife Milena and then their children Giuseppe, Francesca and Isidoro,<br />
brought additional support to the business. Vineyard research opened up to studies on the<br />
influence of soils, climate change and a renewed focus on flora and fauna.<br />
Aldo Vaira has been considered “the most modern of traditionalists and the most traditional<br />
of modernists” as he is in love with tradition, but capable of viewing it through a scientific<br />
and reasoned approach in order to produce wines that are increasingly enjoyable and palatable<br />
and have a strong identity. The high-altitude vineyards remain one of the distinguishing<br />
features of G.D. Vajra wines, as does the house style which yields wines of great finesse and<br />
complexity. Nebbiolo is, of course, at the heart of production (30ha), and is produced with<br />
varietal and regional sensitivity and respect. The company views this grape variety as multifaceted<br />
and challenging, faithfully conveying the flavours of the region.<br />
Emblematic of G.D. Vajra and the company’s vision of Nebbiolo is its Barolo Bricco delle<br />
Viole, the highest and westernmost cru in Barolo. It also produces Barolo Mga Ravera, Coste<br />
di Rose, Baudana and Cerretta, and the ‘classic’ Barolo Albe, as well as Langhe Nebbiolo,<br />
Rosato di Nebbiolo and two limited production wines, ‘N.S. della Neve’ (a Classic Method<br />
rosé, 60% Nebbiolo and 40% Pinot Noir) and ‘Claré JC’ with Nebbiolo grapes which are<br />
fermented as whole clusters. G.D. Vajra sells 90% of its wines abroad.<br />
Among Italian grape varieties, Nebbiolo is the one that best depicts the perfect combination<br />
of elegance and longevity. This can be ascribed to Barolo and Barbaresco wines, but also to the<br />
other appellations that are focusing on this fascinating variety which is currently suffering<br />
less than others from the effects of climate change.<br />
WINTER 2022 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE <strong>FR</strong>ENCH EXPERTS ON WINE<br />
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