Gaja

He was a central figure in the establishment of Italian viticulture in the international world of top wines and is today, along with Marchese Antinori, probably the best known wine personality of the country: Angelo Gaja. The winemaker is also one of the world's most frequently awarded producers by renowned wine critics. Without losing sight of traditional values, the great expert, revolutionary and visionary never rested on his laurels in the rather conservative Piedmont, but developed economic and oenological methods uncompromisingly. Meanwhile Gajas wineries also extend over Tuscany. However, the headquarters of the fourth generation family business is still located in the famous wine village of Barbaresco. Angelo Gajas' phenomenal success story began with the production of Barbaresco in the Langhe region.

Gaja, a pioneer in modern cellar technology, played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the Italian wine industry in the 1970s and 1980s. Known for iconic wines like Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Supertuscan, and particularly Barbaresco, Gaja introduced innovations such as the use of barriques in Piedmont. Notably, in 1996, the exceptional winemaker voluntarily downgraded most DOCG wines Barbaresco and Barolo to DOC level to retain flexibility in blending international grape varieties for acidity correction. Since the 2013 vintage, Gaja has reaffirmed commitment to DOCG Barbaresco for site wines.

Gaja winery, renowned for its Nebbiolo wines from Piedmont, has expanded its portfolio to include a diverse array of wines. While Nebbiolo remains its hallmark, the winery has also introduced Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc to its vineyards, reflecting its growing success and innovation under the exceptional winemaker.

The King of Barbaresco owes this status to his vision and open perspective. One of my favorite quotes from Angelo Gaja is: "I believe that old age starts when the regrets are more than the dreams". A quote that proves that old age has nothing to do with limiting your ability to develop yourself, keep learning and keep dreaming and visioning for new challenges. For me, an example for many.

Barbaresco is still a wine that, in my opinion, does not get enough attention to what it actually deserves. Gaja is therefore an excellent example of a man with a vision, and a living proves that with a clear vision and goal in mind plus with a lot of patience you can achieve great results. The vision to put Barbaresco's class on the map by Gaja was something that not everyone directly believed in. But in the end, he did this in the most extreme way possible. The purity of Nebbiolo that comes from his Barbaresco is nothing but admirable.

It is therefore a wine that every lover of Barolo or Barbaresco wines must have tasted his wines. A wine for the cellar, which you put away and then at a beautiful moment you think, this is THE wine. That's Gaja. A wine that makes a statement.

Top Gaja vintages are: 1996, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019.


FACTS

Year Founded: 1961
Owner: Angelo Gaja
Annual production: approx. 350,000 bottles
Vineyard: approx. 92 hectares
Organic cultivation