GAJA

PIEDMONT, ITALY

There are certain wine producers that cause ears to perk up when mentioned, and GAJA is certainly a leader of this elite group. The Piedmontese family has been making exquisite wines for many years under the guidance of the renowned Angelo Gaja; however, the entire Barbaresco region has been undergoing a revolution of quality and prestige that has surely flourished under the GAJA influence. Over the course of his career, Angelo Gaja has been a pioneering force within Piedmont, and more recently within Tuscany and Etna, and is internationally recognized as one of the best winemakers of the modern age. Critics have been closely following the maturation of 2016 wines in barrel, and for good reason: as the first wines are being released, many believe 2016 could be one of the most compelling Barbaresco vintages in the century. GAJA 2016 Barbaresco and Bolgheri Bordeaux-style blends Ca’Marcanda and Magari are just being released and are already garnering top scores and recognition. We’re thrilled to be offering these new blockbuster wines as well as a selection of GAJA library wines at a discounted Concierge rate for one week only. 

Without being too hyperbolic, the complexity of flavor and nuance of the 2016 Barbaresco is testament to the well-earned reputation of the GAJA name. Gaia Gaja, the eldest daughter of Angelo and Lucia and next generation of leadership, is calling 2016 one of the “best vintages we have ever experienced in Piedmont. The growing season [was] ideal for our soils and brought excellent balance to the grapes at harvest. The 2016 Barbaresco reminds us of the great 2004, but with more elegance and finesse. The powerful structure is quite like the 2001, yet with further refinement of the tannins. 2016 has all the potential to be a must-have vintage for lovers of Barbaresco.” 

Ca’Marcanda is sourced from one of the stoniest sites within Bolgheri; composed of terre biache (white soils from limestone and ancient sea fossils), the site has proven ideal for producing powerful, long-lived reds. This blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and rounded by 20% Cabernet Franc. Richness and concentration stand out, but the ample power is balanced by incredibly well-integrated acidity. The Magari blend is from vineyards closer to the sea, from terre brune soils (dark brown, loamy, clay-rich) that produce mineral-focused wines. The 2016 vintage is 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot with silky tannins and layered flavors of rhubarb, juniper, graphite, and cherry. 

If the release of the stellar 2016 vintages still isn’t enough GAJA for you (is there ever enough?), we’re also offering some of our favorite previous vintages and library packs, including half-bottles of 2011 Barbaresco, Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend Darmagi, and acclaimed Langhe single-vineyard Sperss. Don’t miss the opportunity to add these legacy wines and vertical expressions to your cellar.