Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from estate vineyards rooted in laminated Sant’Agata Fossili marls interspersed with alluvial debris and stones. The well-drained soils allow Barbera and Freisa to develop distinct yet balanced characters.
Permanent grass cover and spontaneous vegetation have been maintained for more than five decades, preserving soil structure, supporting microbial activity and encouraging deeper root systems. These practices improve water retention and soil aeration while strengthening the vines’ natural resilience. The estate is certified organic and Equalitas sustainable. Vineyard work is predominantly manual, while ongoing research focuses on soil vitality and the biodiversity of the vineyards, surrounding fields and woodlands.
Grapes
Latest published vintage (2024): 55% Barbera and 45% Freisa.
Vinification
The two varieties were harvested together on 16 September 2024 and underwent a spontaneous co-fermentation lasting 16 days. Co-fermentation integrates the varieties while retaining the individual energy and character of each.
Ageing
The wine matured for approximately eight months in stainless steel and was bottled on 19 June 2025.
Technical data
Bottle format: 0.75 L.
Tasting profile
The 2024 vintage has a vibrant, expressive bouquet of prune, blackberry, violet and dried fig, complemented by tamarind, gentle smoky nuances and graphite. Barbera supplies energetic, juicy fruit on the palate, while Freisa contributes structure, spice and a lifted floral finish with graceful persistence.
Vintage notes
The 2024 season produced wines characterized by fresh aromatics, moderate alcohol and immediate drinkability. Winter and mountain snowfall arrived late, and budbreak was recorded on 11 March before frost threatened the vines one month later. Abundant rain from May created sustained fungal pressure and demanded intensive vineyard work. Temperatures eventually rose, making it a warm vintage. A significant hailstorm struck the western slopes between La Morra and Novello in early August.
The estate-wide harvest ran from 30 August to 24 October amid repeated rainfall. It was one of the most demanding growing seasons since 1972. Organic farming was maintained throughout, producing healthy fruit but reduced yields.
Label / history
The wine revives a piece of Vajra family history represented by an old bottle kept in the tasting room. Its hand-blown brown glass has a slender neck and squared base, while the faded ivory label, framed in sugar-paper blue, reads “Barbera Fresia 70.” Carlo “Carlin” Vaira, Aldo’s grandfather, made that earlier wine from a vineyard planted predominantly to Barbera with a single row of Freisa. Intended for family and close friends, it was nevertheless bottled and labelled—an uncommon distinction for a non-commercial wine of its time.
