The colour is medium garnet. On the nose very elegant. Strawberries, rose petals and mushrooms come to mind. In the mouth smooth, with well integrated tannins. The aftertaste is subtle and medium long.
I’m generally not a big fan of Barolo wines, which I usually find overpriced for the pleasure they deliver, but I have to say that this Barolo of Gaja is a noteworthy exception, which I greatly enjoyed.
Gaja is one of the best-known wine producers in all of Italy. Originating in and still based in Barbaresco, the Gaja name remains most strongly associated with Nebbiolo-based wines, though the company now makes more wine in Tuscany than Piedmont.
The business was founded in 1859 by Giovanni Gaja, but it was Angelo, his great grandson, who took the estate to fame. Angelo Gaja was responsible for overseeing major changes in the vineyards and cellars, introducing international grape varieties and winemaking practices more common in Bordeaux than in Piedmont.
Gaja’s move beyond Barbaresco started in 1988 with the acquisition of the Sperss vineyard in neighbouring Barolo. In 1994, Gaja took over the Pieve Santa Restituta estate in Montalcino. In 1996, he bought the Ca’ Marcanda estate in Bolgheri.
The 2014 vintage was a challenging one for Piedmont’s vintners but, judging from this bottle, Gaia was nevertheless able to produce a great wine.
I’ve been offered this bottle during a dinner with some Chinese friends. Online it sells for some 200 CHF.
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Type: Red
Vintage: 2014
Producer: Gaja
Price range: Luxury (>100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 5/5