G.D. Vajra Rosa Bella Rosato

The Wine

Electric pink in the glass, the nose is aromatic with notes of strawberry and fresh red cherry, and a slightly floral expression of honeysuckle or orange blossom evolves after a minute or so. The palate is fresh, with a core of fresh red fruit and a strong mineral backbone. A line of razor-sharp acidity runs throughout, and the well-balanced structure of the wine belies its noble origins. An excellent aperitif wine, but its sturdiness means it’s an excellent pairing for soft cheeses, shellfish, and light poultry dishes.

The Story

The organic vines of the G.D. Vajra estate lie in Vergne, the highest point in the storied hills of Barolo, an appellation in the northern Piedmont region that many consider the origin point of Italy’s most important wines. This multigenerational winery was first planted to vine in 1947, and the Vajra family’s quiet focus and synchronicity with nature has been well-known throughout the region ever since. Though the Nebbiolo grape reigns supreme in the Piedmont, Vajra’s vineyard holdings tell the tale of the family’s history of curiosity and experimentation—among their vines you’ll find the rare, native Freisa grape, Pinot Noir, and even Riesling, along with the expected Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera (the latter three comprise the Rosebella rosato). A clerical error means the Rosabella isn’t vintage-dated, but if you look to the lot number in small print on the side of the label, you’ll find a hint to its birth year.