GAJA

Piedmont, Italy

Darmagi Langhe DOP — 2020

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  • Introduction

    • First Cabernet Sauvignon post-phylloxera planted in Piedmont, Darmagi is a single vineyard situated in the municipality of Barbaresco. It was Giovanni Gaja, Angelo’s father, who involuntarily named this wine, because when Cabernet Sauvignon was planted instead of Nebbiolo, his first comment in Piedmontese dialect was Darmagi! (What a pity!).

  • Vineyard Profile

    • Planted in 1978, it was chosen by Angelo Gaja both as a tribute to this prestigious grape and to demonstrate the vocation of the Langa land to produce great wines also from non-traditional varieties. The vineyard, facing south, covers a surface of 2.8 hectares (6 acres avg.) and has average altitude of 280 M above the sea level.

    • Appellation: Langhe D.O.P.
    • First Year of Production: 1982
  • Vintage Report

    • The 2020 vintage was characterized by frequent rainfalls that can be defined as atypical for various reasons. Instead of the distribution coming in winter and spring, it was concentrated in the summer months. Despite the frequent summer thunderstorms, none of our vineyards were damaged by hail. During winter, the temperatures were mild. Particularly, January 2020 will be remembered for being the warmest in the last 50 years. The actual cold, with temperatures below freezing, arrived in mid-March and lasted a month. However, no frost damage occurred. With the sole exceptions of a heat spike in late May, one in August, and one in mid-September, the period from May to early October was characterized by alternating warm days and thunderstorms followed by cooler days. Significant temperature variations during the rest of September and October helped the color, aromas, and overall health of the grapes.

  • Vinification

    • Fermentated and aged in stainless steel tanks and barrels.

  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Tasting Notes

    • Despite its well-defined varietal character, Darmagi has a precise personality due to the Barbaresco soil which emphasizes its early austerity, resulting in a refined and complex wine. It has a dark colour, with spicy aromas of paprika, liquorice, cassis fruit and flowers, especially violet. This wine has a remarkable structure, with refined tannins. Suitable for long ageing.

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Reviews

  • Darmagi Langhe DOP — 2020 – Wine Enthusiast – 94 Points

    "Blackberry and hints of cassis burst from the glass, complemented by sweet oak and vanilla spices. The lush, round palate is filled with dark fruit, supported by fine, well-mannered tannins that lead to a mixed berry coulis that intertwines with savory herbs on the finish, with a subtle touch of tobacco."

  • Darmagi Langhe DOP — 2020 – Vinous – 96 Points

    '"The 2020 Darmagi is one of the most refined editions of this wine I can remember tasting. Silky, aromatic and light on its feet, the 2020 is all class, all elegance. The 2020 will need time to develop its aromatic and flavor complexity, but the balance is there. I have never been the biggest fan of the Gaja Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an exceptional wine by any measure. Sadly, the vineyard faces some challenges at this point in time."

  • Darmagi Langhe DOP — 2020 – Jeb Dunnuck – 94 Points

    “Lifted with rocky earth, graphite, cassis, violets, and wild herbs. Medium to full-bodied but restrained, it offers fine tannins, fresh acidity, and notes of black raspberry, red plum, and dusty earth. It is persistent and has wonderful length and gracefulness.”

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