{"title":"GAJA | Piemonte","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Collection_Banner_47ac6055-e838-4279-8581-909e100c7eed.jpg?v=1532878095\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003eThe Gaja family arrived in Piedmont from Spain in the 17th century and, in the 19th century, opened a taverna and winery in Barbaresco. In the 20th century, Angelo’s grandmother Clotilde Rey urged his father Giovanni to raise the quality of Gaja wines. Giovanni did that in the 1960s by acquiring some of the best Nebbiolo vineyards in the area - including Sorì San Lorenzo, Sorì Tildìn and Costa Russi. And both Angelo and his daughter Gaia Gaja, along with oenologist Guido Rivella and his apprentice turned successor Alessandro Albarello, have taken techniques to ever more advanced levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003eAngelo had travelled widely - particularly in France - for his oenology studies, and decided to apply what he’d learnt on the family estate. The decision to plant non-native varietals came not on a rebellious whim, but after rigorous scientific analysis of the vineyards. Even so, his father was unimpressed - and, later, Angelo named his Cabernet Sauvignon-led wine 'Damargi', after the Piemontese expression for 'What a shame', the phrase muttered by his father every time he walked past that parcel where Nebbiolo once had grown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003eHowever, this was only one of Angelo’s innovations. He introduced denser planting but reduced yields - particularly by green harvesting. In the winery, things changed too. Temperature-controlled vinification, short maceration, skin contact depending on the vineyard, malolactic fermentation and the use of barriques - made by a local cooperage from new French oak - before wines are transferred to the traditional, larger botte. The idea is to take the might and depth of Nebbiolo and knock off the rough edges to create something more refined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003eHis next surprising step was to blend some Barbera with Nebbiolo. As a result, many of Gaja’s best wines are not allowed to be called Barbaresco. Instead, they are released as single vineyard wines under the Langhe DOC - Costa Russi, Sorì San Lorenzo and Sorì Tildìn. Gaja has done the same with Barolo, in the shape of Sperss and Conteisa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003eAngelo has been a key figure in the Barolo Wars. The pro-tannin, pure-Nebbiolo traditionalists would say he’s not on their side, but he believes he is actually truer to the old ways than they are, claiming that up until the 1960s, neither of the great Piedmont appellations were always single-grape wines and that Nebbiolo often needed the balancing acidity, intense aroma and low tannin of Barbera or, alternatively, the astringency and fruit of Dolcetto. Like the Super Tuscan producers further south, he feels the DOC restrictions are an impediment to his search for perfection. (Albeit, Gaja has always maintained a Dagromis Barolo as well as the DOC Barbaresco - to prove he can produce 100% Nebbiolo wines as well as, if not better than, anyone else.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003eHowever, Angelo’s daughter Gaia is as strong a personality as her father and decided that from the 2013 vintage, the three single vineyard wines from Barbaresco - Costa Russi, Sorì San Lorenzo and Sorì Tildìn - should return to DOC status. This time, the patriarch has not resisted the decisions of the younger generation!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003eAnd what of the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc plantings? The former makes up Gaia \u0026amp; Rey - malolactic fermentation, six to eight months en barrique - in tribute to Angelo’s daughter and grandmother. (His other daughter, Rossana, is championed by another wine, from a more recent Chardonnay planting, Rossj Bass Langhe.) The Sauvignon Blanc is found in a silky, complex wine usually with wild herbs and the brightest of citrus and white stone fruit. Gaja is also a major grappa producer, with spirits distilled from the individual wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003eThe Gaja name has spread beyond Piedmont, too. With the acquisition of Pieve Santa Restituta, Montalcino, in 1994 and Ca'Marcanda, Bolgheri, in 1996, Gaja now produces more wine in Tuscany than in its home province. And, in 2017, the company announced a joint venture with Alberto Graci on the slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily......watch this space!\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"gaja-grappa-rossj-bass","title":"GAJA Grappa Rossj Bass","description":"\u003cp\u003eGaja's Rossj-Bass Grappa is produced exclusively from the pomace of the Gaja Rossj-Bass Chardonnay wine grapes and then aged in stainless steel tanks. Its the Chardonnay grapes which give this Grappa it’s full and fruity bouquet while on the palate it is well balanced and has an enchantingly long finish, clearly exhibiting the varietal characteristics of the much sought-after wine.[#intro]It’s the fabled Chardonnay grapes which give this Grappa it’s full and fruity character...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaja","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21215795052602,"sku":"GAJARBGRAPPA","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/GrappaRossjBas.jpg?v=1597178879"},{"product_id":"gaja-rossj-bass-chardonnay","title":"GAJA Rossj-Bass 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst produced in 1988, GAJA Rossj-Bass is a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from the Treiso and Serralunga vineyards. \u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eOn the nose, it immediately offers bright, concentrated notes of white peach, tangerine zest, and a subtle honeyed sweetness. As it opens, delicate tertiary aromas of ginger and a hint of wet stone emerge, reflecting its complexity and quality. \u003c\/span\u003eThe palate is medium-to-full bodied, marked by a precise, mineral-driven acidity that carries the flavours of golden apple, fresh pineapple and almond blossom. The Chardonnay component delivers a creamy, luxurious mouthfeel, while the Sauvignon Blanc provides structure and a refreshing, long finish dominated by saline notes and a touch of vanilla bean from oak integration. This wine shows excellent structure for aging but is compellingly vibrant right now. [#intro]GAJA Rossj-Bass is an elegant, single-vineyard Langhe white, blending Chardonnay \u0026amp; Sauvignon Blanc mastery...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaja","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41179027341379,"sku":"A24GAJAROSSJBASS-1","price":73.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/RossjBasChardonnay.jpg?v=1586968378"},{"product_id":"gaja-alteni-di-brassica","title":"GAJA Alteni di Brassica 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eGAJA's Alteni di Brassica is a pure Sauvignon Blanc white wine sourced from selected vineyard plots within Barbaresco and Serralunga. The name is based on two traditionally common elements in the Piedmontese landscape. Alteni are the classic, short white stone walls that were once typically used to cloister the vineyards of Piedmont. Brassica is the name of the beautiful yellow flowers that pepper the vineyards in the springtime. Combined, the name means the little walls of yellow springtime flowers. Alteni di Brassica combines the classic herbaceous and aromatic qualities of the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety with the elegance and refinement of the GAJA style. Pheasants are featured on Alteni di Brassica's label to commemorate the beautiful birds that inhabit the forests adjacent to GAJA's vineyards. Fermented and aged in oak for 6 to 8 months, the wine opens with layered and complex notes of papaya and pineapple juice followed by vegetal hints of sage and a reminiscent note of plant sap. On the palate, the 2019 Alteni di Brassica shows well defined fruity notes (grapefruit, papaya, pear) with flower and spicy hints. Balanced body and refined structure in the month, supported by great freshness. Excellent bottle ageing capacity.[#intro]Combining the classic qualities of Sauvignon with the elegance and refinement of GAJA...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaja","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31897525780547,"sku":"A19GAJAALTENI-1","price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/AlteniBrassica.jpg?v=1593712968"},{"product_id":"gaja-sito-moresco","title":"GAJA Sito Moresco 2020\/21","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe GAJA Sito Moresco is a complex, yet harmonious red wine blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Each variety is vinified separately before blending and then maturation in oak for 12 months. Sito Morseco has an attractive redcurrant and cassis nose with complex spice and herbal notes. The palate is full, smooth and juicy with ripe fruits supported by complex spice, smoke and cedar. [#intro]GAJA's harmonious red wine blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cabernet and Merlot...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaja","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31897563856963,"sku":"A20SITOMORESCO-1","price":54.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/SitoMorescoBottle.jpg?v=1593715200"},{"product_id":"gaja-dagromis-barolo","title":"GAJA Dagromis Barolo 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eGAJA's Dagromis Barolo takes its name from the Gromis family, and is an expression of two great terroirs of Barolo - Serralunga and La Morra - producing a captivating powerhouse of a wine. The Nebbiolo grapes from each single vineyard are fermented, macerated and aged for 12 months completely separately, before being blended and aged for a further 18 months in oak. The Dagromis Barolo offers a rather earthy nose, with bark and undergrowth bush aromas. It opens up with fresh bergamot and tangerine notes and then it develops a floral and balsamic character, with hints of linden and verbena flowers, rose and white pepper. The palate is fresh and juicy, with precise notes of small berry fruit, pomegranate, and wild strawberries. The Serralunga influence leads to a mildly peaty finish, perfectly balanced by the polished, silky La Morra tannins. [#intro]GAJA's expression of two great terroir's from Barolo producing a captivating powerhouse...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaja","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41179014496323,"sku":"A20GAJADAGROMIS-1","price":93.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/DagromisBaroloBottle.jpg?v=1597177151"},{"product_id":"gaja-darmagi-cabernet-sauvignon","title":"GAJA Darmagi 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe GAJA Darmagi is a celebrated concentrated red wine and testament to Angelo Gaja's vision when he decided to plant the noble grape Cabernet Sauvignon in the Langhe. Planted in 1978, Darmagi is Angelo Gaja’s tribute to the prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon variety, and a perfect example of the unique Langhe expression in wines, even from non-traditional grape varieties. According to the often told legend, Angelo Gaja’s father exclaimed “darmagi!” upon learning that his son had planted Cabernet Sauvignon in vineyards previously devoted to Piedmont’s traditional Nebbiolo grape. Akin to the French quel dommage, the Piedmontese expression 'darmagi' means what a pity...or what a shame! With his characteristic respect for tradition and those who came before him, the younger Gaja decided to call this wine Darmagi, a homage to his family’s legacy with an eye toward the future. Matured in oak for 24 months Darmagi opens with typical aromatic notes of menthol, coffee powder, herbs and cassis. The palate is texturally rich and dense, with ripe dark cherry, preserved black currant, blueberry, and plum flavours. Solid in structure with great volume, fine grained tannins and lifting acidity, the Darmagi is a charming fruity wine now, but it will age gracefully. [#intro]A celebrated wine, testament to Gaja's vision for planting Cabernet Sauvignon in the Langhe...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaja","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31987801817155,"sku":"A15GAJADARMAGI-1","price":200.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/DarmagiBottle.jpg?v=1597178520"},{"product_id":"gaja-grappa-di-barbaresco","title":"GAJA Grappa di Barbaresco","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe GAJA Grappa di Barbaresco is made with Nebbiolo sourced from the Gaja family vineyards which have an average age of 45 years. The fresh pomace from the wine (the solid remains of the grape – skins, pulp, seeds and stems of the fruit) is immediately distilled after fermentation ends. Distillation happens slowly in order to conserve all of the varietal characteristics and aromas of the pomace. The alcohol vapours are then funnelled into a distillation column as the pomace is slowly warmed and the distillate is divided into 3 parts, the head, the heart and the tail. The Grappa di Barbaresco is obtained by selecting the heart, i.e. the middle part of the distillation, and discarding the head and tail. At the start of this process, the Grappa has an alcohol content of 70-75°. Before bottling, distilled water is added to bring the Grappa to 42% ABV. Bright clear and crispy with aromas of ripe dried fruit. The beautifully integrated palate has warm spicy notes and a long lingering finish. Perfect in an Italian Coffee: 4cl of Grappa Barbaresco; 9cl hot coffee;  3cl fresh cream; 1 tea spoon cane sugar.[#intro]Made with Nebbiolo from the GAJA family vineyards. Warm spicy notes and long finish...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaja","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31988690190403,"sku":"NVGAJAGRAPPABARBARESCO","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/GrappaBarbaresco.jpg?v=1597218503"},{"product_id":"gaja-grappa-sperss","title":"GAJA Grappa Sperss","description":"\u003cp\u003eSperss is the name of the iconic 12 hectare vineyard in the commune of Serralunga which was acquired by the GAJA family in 1988. Here they produce some of their most famous Nebbiolo. The Grappa Sperss is produced from the fresh Nebbiolo pomace from the wine (the solid remains of the grape – skins, pulp, seeds and stems of the fruit) is immediately distilled after fermentation ends. Distillation happens slowly in order to conserve all of the varietal characteristics and aromas of the pomace. The alcohol vapours are then funnelled into a distillation column as the pomace is slowly warmed and the distillate is divided into 3 parts, the head, the heart and the tail. The Grappa is obtained by selecting the heart, i.e. the middle part of the distillation, and discarding the head and tail. The spirit for Sperss is then aged for just the right amount of time in barrel to add texture and give the distinctive warm caramel hue. The GAJA Grappa Sperss is a delicate golden colour with attractive aromas of ripe fruits, hazelnuts and raisins. Beautifully rounded, it has a balanced body and a long full finish. [#intro]Aged in barrel to add texture and give the distinctive warm caramel hue..[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaja","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31988743307331,"sku":"NVGAJAGRAPPASPERSS","price":54.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/GrappaSperss.jpg?v=1597220554"},{"product_id":"gaja-barbaresco-2020","title":"GAJA Barbaresco 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eBarbaresco is the flagship wine of the GAJA family. This benchmark Nebbiolo is the result of meticulous blending across 14 separate vineyards. The grapes, sourced from individual single vineyards, undergo separate fermentation, maceration and maturation in oak for 12 months before being blended and aged further in oak for another 12 months. Nebbiolo is particularly affected by the small differences in the various types of soil and GAJA's blend across 14 vineyards stresses the features of the different terroir's, thus creating a complex and balanced wine. The bouquet smells of soft fruits, flowers, delicate spices and mineral notes. The structure is dense but elegant. It has a lingering finish with refined tannins. Each GAJA Barbaresco is the faithful expression of the vintage and suitable for a long bottle ageing. [#intro]Sumptuous and supple this is GAJA's flagship wine. Benchmark Nebbiolo blended from 14 vineyards...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaja","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40784458285123,"sku":"A20GAJABARBARESCO-1","price":225.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/BarbarescoBottle_4ced027b-a8fd-40fb-8c7a-17405831fe78.jpg?v=1701787718"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Collection_Image_ec66b71e-0de9-4398-aa2b-a04e252fa5a0.jpg?v=1532878245","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/gaja-barbaresco\/gaja.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}