2022 G.D. Vajra Moscato d’Asti, Piedmont

The G.D. Vajra 2022 Moscato d'Asti was born in a warm vintage and shows fragrant aromas of white peach, tropical fruit, candied lemon and a hint of sage or dried jasmine blossom. This informal dessert wine delivers soft foam and more sweet flavors over a creamy finish.

Monica Larner robertparker.com

The most interesting portfolio of wines from Piedmont, in my onion, is the one thoughtfully put together by G.D. Vajra. Given the variety of flavors and the many local grapes used, my annual tasting at this estate is always one of my favorites. This year I tasted with Isidoro Vaira, one of three siblings that runs the winery with sister Francesca and brother Giuseppe. Parents Milena and Aldo Vaira are also busily involved at the winery, making this a dynamic, family-run reality.

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Moscato d’Asti is a wine of wonderful but little-known potential. Light and fragrant, fresh and without cloying sweetness, it presents minerality and savoury notes that allow you to experiment with food pairing, or just enjoy it by itself. The fruit comes from three beautiful vineyards: Riforno and San Donato in Mango, and Moncucco in Santo Stefano Belbo - and all from old and deep-rooted vines. The grapes are gently pressed before a brief cold settling and then fermentation, which goes for about a week. The first bottling, as soon as November, allows the wine to cheer the Christmas table.

 Giuseppe Vajra