About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from young Nebbiolo vineyards. Aldo Vajra began adopting organic farming practices in Piemonte in 1971. Grassing and spontaneous cover crops have been used for almost fifty years to nurture the vineyards and protect the soil. The vineyards hold sustainability and organic certification, while work across the estate also focuses on monitoring and improving the biodiversity of its flora and fauna.
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo.
Vinification
The method draws on a 1606 account by Gian Battista Croce, jeweller to the House of Savoia, recalling an earlier style of Nebbiolo valued for freshness, lightness, gentle crispness and softness. In 2025, approximately 20% of the fruit underwent whole-cluster fermentation. Following a short maceration, the wine was racked and completed fermentation away from the skins, preserving natural freshness. Early bottling retains the wine’s energy and gently off-dry finish.
Ageing
Ageing was very brief and took place in a closed stainless-steel vat. The wine was bottled on 11 February 2026.
Technical data
Langhe Denominazione di Origine Controllata. Available in a 750 ml format.
Tasting profile
The 2025 opens with fragrant strawberries, fresh cherries, redcurrants, raspberries and grapefruit, complemented by nutmeg and fresh roses. Bright and juicy on the palate, it carries abundant red fruit, exceptionally soft tannins, a gentle almond nuance and a playful suggestion of bubble gum. The overall impression is joyful and harmonious.
Serving and pairing
It can be served slightly chilled.
Vintage notes
The 2025 growing season produced very low yields but fruit of exceptional quality. A moderately cold January gave way to an early spring, with primroses, almond and apricot blossom and early Nebbiolo budbreak. Abundant rain required careful vineyard protection while building water reserves for a very warm June. Several hail events naturally reduced the crop. The estate-wide harvest began on 19 August under bright weather and pronounced day-to-night temperature changes, helping retain freshness and precision. Fruit for Claré J.C. was picked during the second half of September.
Label / history
Claré J.C. revisits a largely forgotten period when Nebbiolo was enjoyed in a lighter, fresher form. Its vinification is inspired by Gian Battista Croce’s 1606 writings and evokes Piemonte before the modern conception of Nebbiolo took shape.
