Sunday School

WINE

Barolo “Albe,” G.D. Vajra, ’21

Piedmont, Italy

In Italy’s Piedmont region, Nebbiolo doesn’t just grow—it rules. Today’s Sunday wine feature is from G.D. Vajra, a family-run winery blending tradition with thoughtful innovation. From expressive Nebbiolo to distinctive Barolo cru bottlings, each wine reflects the family’s care in the vineyard and restraint in the cellar. They were the first in the region to earn organic certification and even helped bring a forgotten local grape, Freisa, back into the spotlight.

“Albe,” meaning sunrise, comes from high-elevation vineyards perfectly situated to catch the sun three times each day. This wine is all about intention: from carefully studied vineyard biodiversity to aging for two full years in classic Slavonian oak, every detail counts.

As Vajra’s tribute to a traditional Barolo, expect fresh violets and a hint of balsamic on the nose, followed by vibrant red fruit, warm spices, and tobacco on the palate—all wrapped up in smooth, velvety tannins. It’s bold, elegant, and basically winter in a glass.

$25 glass   •   $15 glass

CHEESE

Robiola Bosina

Piedmont, Italy · Cow & Sheep–P

In Piedmont, “Robiola” refers to a loose-knit group of cheeses in various shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. There are many great Robiolas in Italy, and although they are presented under this rather generic term, they are as diverse as the regions of Italy themselves. Generally, Robiola Piemonte is a traditional style of fresh, cream-added cheese that is ripened to allow for a velvety more luxurious taste and texture. It should not be confused with Robiola Lombardia, a group of entirely different Taleggio-type washed-rind cheeses.

Robiola stems from the Latin term “rubere” which refers to the reddening of the cheese’s surface once it oxidizes. Today’s cheese is Robiola Bosina, a.k.a. ''Due Latte.'' This luscious little slab is made from the pasteurized milk of Piedmont cows and sheep, making for a perfectly balanced set of flavors: umami, salty, and sweet. Now go for that sparkling wine and get to munching!

$9  •   $6