Controcorrente 2024 - Vaira Aurelj

Controcorrente - Vaira Aurelj

"Controcorrente is a wine that accurately reflects the character of a small vineyard of just 0.50 hectares, located at 390 meters above sea level on limestone-clay soils with a southwest exposure. The vines, cultivated according to organic viticulture principles and averaging 24 years old, are tended manually at every stage of the growing cycle. Harvesting is done exclusively by hand, in 20-kg crates, to preserve the integrity of the grapes. In the cellar, fermentation is spontaneous, using only indigenous yeasts, in open, temperature-controlled vats. Depending on the vintage, a portion of the grapes is vinified whole-bunch to enhance aromatic complexity and flavor depth. The skins are pressed extremely gently, while malolactic fermentation takes place in oak. Aging continues for nine months in used Slavonian oak tonneaux, a choice that complements the wine without overpowering its territorial identity. In the glass, Controcorrente stands out for its elegant and clear profile: aromas of small red fruits, light notes of rose petals, and spicy nuances of white pepper. The same aromatic sensations return on the palate, supported by balanced acidity and fine, silky tannins. The result is a harmonious, precise, and versatile wine, capable of effortlessly accompanying many convivial occasions.

Service

We recommend tasting it at a temperature of 16/18° in large tulip goblets. To swim immediately, but with the potential to evolve for several years.

Pairing

Great with hors d'oeuvres, main courses, red meats, to try with fresh cheese with tomato and olives.

Cellar: aira Aurelj

In the beating heart of the Langhe, where the village of Vergne nestles between the towns of Barolo, La Morra, and Narzole, the Vaira Aurelj winemaking project comes to life. This small artisanal winery was born from the vision of Francesco and Giacomo Vaira, two very young brothers who chose to transform the memory of their father, who passed away over twenty years ago, into a daily commitment among the vines. After honing their skills at prestigious local wineries, the Vaira brothers decided to invest in a few precious plots of land, planted with Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto for the past ten years. Situated at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level and blessed with optimal southeast and southwest exposures, these vineyards represent a unique geographical case: despite sharing the same soil composition, the appellation bureaucracy recognizes only the Fossati Cru and the Vigna del Pensiero as eligible to produce DOCG wines. It is precisely from this apparent disparity that the winery's revolutionary spirit stems, choosing to produce labels that challenge bureaucratic conventions to showcase the authentic value of Vergne's terroir. In 2019, Controcorrente was released, a wine that is not only the fruit of farming experience and collaboration with wine enthusiasts, but also represents a true manifesto of redemption for those hills that share its same nobility. The company's growth journey reached a key milestone in 2024 with the release of the first vintage of Barolo Fossati, accompanied by a Dolcetto d'Alba with strong ethical values, created in collaboration with the non-profit organization "Le Fontane." The philosophy that guides Vaira Aurelj's production is based on an uncompromising pursuit of quality, where wine is understood as the direct and pure expression of the labors carried out in the vineyard. With profound respect for the land, chemicals are completely excluded, allowing winemaking to be merely the driving force behind the natural transformation of grapes into wine. Each bottle produced by Francesco and Giacomo thus becomes the living story of family dedication and a successful territorial challenge, combining scientific precision—also defined by important academic studies—with the sincere passion of those who live the vineyard as a life mission..