Vaira Aurelj is a boutique winery located in Vergne, between Barolo, La Morra, and
Narzole in Piedmont. Founded by brothers Francesco and Giacomo Vaira, the family
estate comprises 4.35 hectares of vineyards, situated at an altitude of around 450
meters. The favorable southeast and southwest exposures combines with limestone
and clay-rich soils to create an ideal environment for cultivating Nebbiolo.
Vaira Aurelj produces three cuvées: Controcorrente: An eccentric wine made from a rosé mutant
of Nebbiolo. Fuori Zona: Crafted from Nebbiolo grown just outside the Barolo DOCG
boundary. Barolo Fossati: A classic expression of Nebbiolo.
Except for Controcorrente, which includes 10-20% whole cluster, the grapes are
destemmed but not crushed. They undergo fermentation for 2-3 weeks in stainless steel
tanks with native pied de cuve yeast, utilizing punch-downs and pump-overs. The wines
are then lightly pressed, returned to tank for malolactic fermentation, and aged for 12-18
months in used barrels before being bottled, unfined and unfiltered, with only minimal
SO2 added.
