The colour is deep garnet. On the nose at first very closed. With some air it opens up, but the bouquet remains very subtle, with a predominance of underground. In the mouth a solid structure, with good acidity and well-integrated tannins. The aftertaste is at first very short, but after some air exposure it becomes fairly long.
Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes and is considered among the finest wines in the world.
Gaja is an iconic name in the Italian wine world thanks to Angelo Gaja, a modernist in a traditional region. Angelo studied in France and brought to Piedmont several practices revolutionary to the vinification of Nebbiolo. Among the innovations he introduced we can mention: green harvest, thermo-controllable fermentation, malolactic fermentation, single vineyard production, French barriques, French grape varieties, and eventually Grand Cru prices.
When Angelo entered the winery in 1961, Gaja was already one of the most prominent wineries of Barbaresco. Helped by his commercial skills and international (back then mainly US) relationships, Angelo brought Gaja to international fame.
Gaja Barbaresco DOCG is the estate flagship wine. It is a 100% Nebbiolo varietal wine sourced from 14 different Barbaresco zone vineyards. It ages 12 months of barrique and then 12 months in large oak casks.
This bottle sells for slightly more than 200 CHF. For my taste wildly overpriced.
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Type: Red
Vintage: 2008
Producer: Gaja
Price range: Luxury (>100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5