GAJA, BARBARESCO & CONTEISA BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Why Buy: Gaja's uncompromising, pioneering stances have raised many an eyebrow, including from his own father, but you can't argue with the results: the wines in this stunning quartet speak with an astonishing varietal purity, while providing all the depth, balance, and refinement that Gaja has built its world-class reputation on.
The Story: Often referred to as the "undisputed king of Barbaresco" for putting that varietal on the world map, and for hauling an entire region, the Piedmont, into modernity, Angelo Gaja is a true revolutionary, one of the most important figures in winemaking over the past three decades. His techniques and practices (including aging the wines in French oak barriques, using temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, and issuing single-vineyard releases), though regarded at the time with skepticism and even hostility, are now broadly practiced throughout not just the Langhe, but in many regions of Italy. Thanks to his unending and relentless quest to find new innovations to more fully express his rich terroir, this fifth-generation winery, launched in 1859, has become a major player on the world stage, each release a highly-anticipated event among collectors around the globe.
Our Tasting Notes: The Barbaresco DOP is Barbaresco as it was meant to be, a wine of earthiness, density, intensity, capped off with a gorgeous, finishing softness. The Conteisa Barolo DOP rides the line brilliantly between a throwback classicism and a richer, fruit-forward style. The two whites – the Alteni di Brassica Langhe 2021, a Sauvignon Blanc, and Gaia Rey Langhe DOP 2021, a Chardonnay – are every bit as refined as the reds, and sing with clarity, definition, and elegance.
Fun Fact: Gaja dubbed his first vineyard release of Cabernet Sauvignon “Darmagi” – which loosely translates as “what a pity,” a sardonic reference to his father’s pained reaction to the planting of French grapes in his Piedmont vineyard.
What to Pair Them With: The Barbaresco DOP and Barolo DOP all but cry out for long-roasted meats (lamb, pork, standing rib roast) or pan-seared duck. Break out the Alentin di Brassica Langhe for oysters, chilled shrimp, and seafood salad, the Gaia Rey Langhe DOP, for grilled fish, lobster rolls, and clam chowder.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2023. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NM, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
