G.D. Vajra Barolo DOCG Albe 2018, Piedmont, Italy

“Our tribute to the Masters of tradition, Albe is the blend of high elevation Barolo vineyards. As these blocks lay on various slopes with different exposures, we have the chance to see three sunrises (Albe) every day. 2018 is a radiant vintage with beautiful early balance and yet great potential of
improvement over time. 100% Nebbiolo. Albe is a blend of wonderful Barolo DOCG vineyards with exposures that range from south-south-east to south-west, at high elevation between 380 and 480 m above sea level.
Fruit for 2017 Barolo DOCG Albe was picked between September 26th and October 3rd. Vinification was carried in custom designed vertical tini, with gentle punch down and cap pump-overs, and lasted between 28 and 49 days on average, with partial submerged-cap maceration. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation was held in stainless steel during the following spring. The 2017 Barolo DOCG Albe aged for 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks of 40, 50 and 75 hL. The wines were racked once, in the summer of 2018, and blended right before the bottling. : 2017 Barolo Albe opens up with a bright, expressive nose. Red currant, cherries, macerated strawberries and mint are interlaced with floral tones and hints of rosehip, rhubarb, red fig, hawthorn, lavender and licorice. The palate is generous, layered and youthful, with ripe tannins and a classic finish on tones of marasca cherry.