G.D. Vajra 'Claré JC' Nebbiolo

G.D. Vajra “Claré J.C.” Nebbiolo - Langhe DOC, Piedmont, Italy

Producer's Notes: 

Claré JC is a unique wine, our take on the forgotten days of Nebbiolo, when it was enjoyed in its lighter and fresher garment. The winemaking protocol follows the 1606 writings of G.B. Croce, jeweler of the House of Savoia: the wine is bottled soon after the fermentation so as to retain a gentle off-dry finish and a lovely energy. Transparent, bright red ruby color. Aromas of cherries, cherry stones, wild strawberries and pomegranate nectar on the nose. The bouquet is completed by whiffles of wet stone, orange blooms and sweet spices. Amazing drinkability on the palate, with a lingering finish of wild berries and purple flowers. The silky tannins make this wine ideal to be served slightly chilled during the warmer months (14-16°C) and can pair an amazing array of diverse food, from aperitifs and appetizers to spicy dishes, fried delicacies and BBQs.

What we say:

A truly unique and historically inspired take on Nebbiolo from G.D. Vajra, Claré J.C. is unlike almost any other wine in Piedmont. It’s based on a 1606 recipe by Giovanni Battista Croce, recreating a style of Nebbiolo that predates modern Barolo - lighter, fresher and meant to be enjoyed young. 

Think of Claré J.C. as a time capsule of historic Piedmont winemaking - a bridge between Nebbiolo and something like Cru Beaujolais or Lambrusco in feel and wine that prioritises energy, drinkability and joy over structure and power.

The wine is made with a short maceration and gentle extraction, often including a portion of whole clusters to enhance aromatic lift. It is bottled relatively early to preserve freshness, sometimes retaining a slight natural spritz and a subtle off-dry impression. This approach results in a vibrant, crunchy and immediately approachable style that contrasts with the more structured, age-worthy expressions of Nebbiolo typically associated with the region.

The wine opens with lifted, vibrant aromas of cherry, wild strawberry and pomegranate, alongside notes of rose petal, citrus peel and sweet spice. On the palate it is light-to-medium-bodied and incredibly energetic, with bright acidity, silky tannins and a slight natural spritz that enhances its freshness. The finish is juicy, floral and refreshing - a completely different expression of Nebbiolo’s personality. A staff favourite here at KWM for its utter uniqueness in addition to its outright deliciousness.

Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo

Style: Dry red (light, fresh, slightly off-dry impression), early-bottled, lightly sparkling

Drink window: Now–2028

Perfect for: Charcuterie, antipasti, pizza, spicy dishes, slightly chilled enjoyment

Bright, playful and utterly distinctive - a “time-machine” Nebbiolo that shows the grape in its most joyful and refreshing form.