GAJA GRAPPA
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Why Buy: We've never before brought you grappa, but then, we've never had grappas like this to bring you — with this depth, this intensity, this definitional clarity. A superlative trio of eye-opening spirits, and it comes as absolutely no surprise at all to us that the greatest grappa on the market right now should hail from none other than GAJA, an enduring legend and, as ever, a passionate and driven innovator. Crafted from the pomace of their much-exalted, highly-coveted wines, including Sperss and Darmagi, it's as though the essence of these legendary wines had been distilled into pure, crystalline spirit.
The Bottlings: GAJA's approach to grappa production is as meticulous as its winemaking. The pomace — the skins, pulp, seeds, and stems left after wine production — is fermented immediately after pressing to preserve its freshness and aromatic complexity. The distillation process is carried out in small copper stills, allowing for precise control over temperature and pressure. This attention to detail results in a grappa that retains the distinctive character of the original grapes while achieving a level of refinement rarely seen in this spirit category.
Our Tasting Notes:
Grappa Sperss NV: Truly a liquid gold — compelling the eye even before your first sip. The nose is intense and complex, offering aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and a hint of rose petal. On the palate, it's full-bodied and powerful, yet remarkably refined. Flavors of dark chocolate, tobacco, and black pepper mingle with the well-tended fruit notes. The finish is extraordinarily long, with a warmth that doesn't overwhelm but rather invites contemplation.
Grappa Darmagi NV: To start, a complex bouquet of dried fruits, particularly figs and dates, with hints of cocoa and a subtle herbaceous note. On the palate, it's remarkably smooth for a grappa, with a rich, full-bodied texture and lively notes of ripe berries, warm spices, and a touch of vanilla, likely from its time in oak. The finish is long and warming, with a pleasant interplay of fruit and spice.
Grappa Gaia & Rey NV: Derived from Chardonnay pomace, this grappa presents a delicate, floral nose with notes of white peach and jasmine. The palate surprises with its creaminess, which carries through, trailing hints of ripe pear, almond, and a hint of honey. We loved the subtle minerality in here, which adds a wonderful complexity and depth. The finish is clean and elegant, with a lingering sweetness balanced by a gentle spice.
The Story: In the mist-shrouded hills of Piedmont, one name has long stood above all: GAJA. Since 1859, when Giovanni Gaja founded his winery, this indomitable family has been synonymous with Italian winemaking excellence, the name a kind of talisman among wine lovers around the world. For a century, the Gajas quietly honed their craft, becoming standard-bearers of the industry. And then along came Angelo Gaja, the fourth-generation rebel who transformed the propriety from a giant of Italy to a giant on the world stage. Storming onto the scene in the 1960s, Angelo dragged Barbaresco — and indeed, all of Italian wine — into the modern era. His methods were unorthodox, his vision crystal clear: single-vineyard bottlings, barrique aging, even planting Cabernet Sauvignon in hallowed Barbaresco soil. Traditionalists cried heresy, but Angelo persevered, driven by an unwavering belief in his land's potential. The results were nothing short of transformative. GAJA’s wines became the darlings of critics, the obsession of collectors, the benchmark against which all Italian wines were measured. Angelo didn't just elevate Barbaresco; he redefined what Italian wine could be. Now, the family has applied this same innovative spirit and uncompromising commitment to quality to grappa production. It's a natural progression for an estate that has always sought to express the full potential of its terroir, and a reminder that it’s still determined to push against boundaries.
ABV: All three grappas are 45%.
Our Guarantee: As with all our offerings, these spirits come directly from the estate. Your bottles will arrive in pristine condition, ready for your cellar—or your glass.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). 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 KS, MI, MO, NC, NY, TN, VA, & WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, August 19th, 2024.
