2015 BAROLO, Bricco del Viole, GD Vajra. Piedmont, Italy

Barolo is just south of Alba, which itself is south of Turin. The Langhe hills produce Italy’s most revered red wines from the Nebbiolo grape. Aldo Vajra’s estate is at Vergne, close to the town of Barolo itself. He has 40 hectares total and is essentially a traditional producer, yet manages to coax silky fruit and rare charm from the notoriously difficult Nebbiolo grape. Bricco delle Viole is a single hillside vineyard, at an average of 450m.

100% Nebbiolo, matured in large Slovenian oak barrels for over 3 years (just a tiny proportion of smaller French barrels).

Barolo at less than 10 years of age is not normally much fun. This one begs to differ, although it won’t be at its best until 2028. Decant it in advance and serve it in your best BIG glasses.