DESCRIPTION: In 1999, Aldo requested permission to plant Nebbiolo at the top of Bricco. It was years before climate change would become an evidence, and such authorization was denied. That constraint turned into the possibility to actually experiment with Pinot nero. It wasn’t until 2006 that we released our first Pinot, then called PNQ497 upon the height (or quota) of the vineyard: 497m asl.
VINEYARD AND TERROIR: From the highest part of the Bricco delle Viole, also called Bricco di Vergne, between Barolo and La Morra. Here, the eye oversees the Alta Langa to the East and Monviso on the West.
HARVEST AND WINEMAKING: When Pinot Noir purpose is a red wine, harvest take place at the end of August or beginning of September according to vintage ripening patterns. Vineyards and blocks are picked individually, and Vajra frequently opts for multiple passages to respect the diversity of each vine. Grapes are sorted manually three times: directly on the vine, as whole clusters on the sorting tables, and lastly as single berries after destemming. Fermentation lasts for an average of 15 days in vertical vats, and is followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Langhe DOC Pinot Nero is then aged for usually 24 months in stainless-steel tanks and oak barrels, with patience and until the wine blossoms into a full harmony.