Barolo

This Langhe Nebbiolo offers a perfect introduction to Piedmont's noble grape without requiring the patience (or budget) demanded by Barolo and Barbaresco. The "Clare JC" designation is a tribute to winemaker Giuseppe Vajra's children, Claudio and Francesca. The Vajra family brings the same meticulous attention to their Langhe Nebbiolo as they do to their acclaimed Barolo, sourcing from younger vines and giving the wine less oak aging for earlier approachability. The result captures Nebbiolo's ethereal aromatics and structure in a more immediate package. It's the perfect bottle for those nights when you want something special but don't want to raid the cellar for your precious Barolo – or for anyone curious about why wine professionals are so obsessed with this challenging but rewarding grape.

Dolcetto translates as "little sweet one," though the wines are actually dry – the name refers to the grape's naturally low acidity compared to Piedmont's other red varieties. G.D. Vajra's version is the perfect introduction to this underappreciated grape, offering immediate pleasure without sacrificing authenticity. The Vajra family is known for their meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and winery, and this care shows in their Dolcetto. While many Piedmont producers treat Dolcetto as an afterthought to their Barolo and Barbaresco, Vajra gives it the respect it deserves. The result is a wine that perfectly captures the variety's charming fruit character and food-friendly nature. It's the bottle locals reach for on Tuesday night while their Barolo ages – and there's no higher compliment than that.