GAJA

Piedmont, Italy

Barbaresco DOP — 2021

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  • Introduction

    • WINERY Located in Piedmont in northwestern Italy, the GAJA winery is widely considered to be one of the greatest estates in the world, producing coveted and collectible labels.

      WINE Barbaresco is one of the greatest Italian wines, produced by each generation of the Gaja family since 1859. It is the flagship wine for the Family.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • 14 vineyards situated in the municipality of Barbaresco. The land, at a height between 250 and 330m above sea level, covers a surface of 21.4 hectares. The plants are 40 years old on average.

    • Vineyards: 14 vineyards situated in the municipality of Barbaresco
    • Appellation: Barbaresco D.O.P.
    • Location: Piedmont
    • Cultivation: Sustainable
    • First Year of Production: 1859
  • Vintage Report

    • Abundant snowfall and low temperatures led to an unusually severe, rainy winter, followed by a dry spring. Temperatures picked up again in mid-March, accelerating the plant life cycle. Unfortunately, the cold temperatures returned in early April with icy winds that channeled through the valleys and affected the lower vineyards, especially in the Barbaresco area. Other Barbaresco vineyards affected by frost recorded minimal losses of 5%. Our Barolo vineyards are located at higher altitudes and survived the frost unscathed. The summerrolled out dramatically with a bright and windy start, hot and violent midseason, characterized by frequent thunderstorms, and ended hot and dry. While both benefited from thunderstorms that cooled the land, powdery mildew became a real threat in Barbaresco in July. A redeeming rainfall came at the end of August, refreshing the Barbaresco and Barolo vineyards.

  • Vinification

    • The grapes, coming from each single vineyard, separately undergo fermentation, maceration, and aging in oak for 12 months. Then they are blended and further age in oak for another 12 months.

    • Aging: The grapes, coming from each single vineyard, separately undergo fermentation, maceration and ageing in oak for 12 months. Then they are blended and further aged in oak for another 12 months.
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 100% Nebbiolo
    • Alcohol: 14%
  • Tasting Notes

    • The nose is dominated by fruit, but also citrus and floral hints emerge. On the palate it’s juicy and the floral notes persist alongside scents of licorice. Subtle hints of cherry and strawberry create a harmonious blend of floral elegance and vibrant fruit flavors.

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Reviews

  • Barbaresco DOP — 2021 – Vinous – 94 Points

    "The 2021 Barbaresco is a powerful, layered wine from Gaja. In some recent years, the Barbaresco has been pretty approachable out of the gate, but the 2021 is a deep, serious wine with a lot of potential for future development. Pretty floral and spice notes linger on the finish. I admire its vibrant, dynamic personality."

  • Barbaresco DOP — 2021 – Wine Enthusiast – 95 Points

    "A pure embodiment of Nebbiolo's elegance, opening with enticing aromas of ripe red berries, violet petals, and earthy undertones. The palate leaps forward with flavors of juicy cherries, plums, and a touch of spice. A chalky minerality sits at the core, with fine-grained tannins that create a structure perfectly balanced, each part of the wine is precise and effortlessly flows into the next. A wine to explore today but let it rest in the cellar for decades to come."

  • Barbaresco DOP — 2021 – James Suckling – 95 Points

    "The aromas of licorice, minerals, light tar and dark berries such as raspberry are so attractive. It’s medium-bodied with a tight and integrated palate of fine tannins that are seamless and unseen. It’s long and lively. It needs two to four years to open up."

  • Barbaresco DOP — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 95 Points

    "A pretty red, elegant and expressive, offering strawberry, cherry, rose and mineral flavors. Refined tannins and vibrant acidity provide the right amount of support, giving an overall sense of harmony. This firms up nicely, turning more austere, with red fruit and savory notes on the long aftertaste."

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