Description
The 2015 of this lovely Brunello was described as ‘luxurious’ by Alice Lascelles of the Financial Times when we sent her a sample last year. So, it’s a tough act to follow but we’re more than happy with the 2016! It’s a fine Brunello produced by the Gaja family, with almost endless layers of flavour, impeccable purity of fruit and a perfumed, elegant style.
TASTING NOTE: An attractive deep red/purple colour. On the nose: Deliciously perfumed red berry aromas, hints of clove, tea, and black olive. On the palate: A full but poised body, with extremely fine tannins to provide longevity with hints of vanilla and spice with mixed herbs that carry into a long, elegant finish. 14.5% alcohol by volume.
FOOD PAIRING, STORING AND SERVICE: With the versatility of this wine, it will pair alongside many great dishes as suggested by Gaja, like a classic grilled sirloin steak, or with pizza topped with Italian sausage, mushrooms, peppers, and rocket. This will also make a great pairing with crispy aubergine parmesan with fresh pasta and rich tomato sauce. This is a wine that is ready to drink now, or easily keep until 2025+.
ABOUT: They are still based in Barbaresco but have also purchased land in prime Tuscan vineyard areas: Pieve Santa Restituta in Montalcino (27 hectares), to make Brunello di Montalcino, and Ca’ Marcanda (126 hectares) in Bolgheri. Founded by Giovanni Gaja in 1859 the estate is now run by the 4th and 5th generation, Angelo Gaja and children Gaia and Giovanni. Based in Barbaresco but with land in prime Tuscan vineyard areas, Angelo Gaja was an early promoter of single-vineyard wines, now known as ‘Crus’, following the Burgundy mould, making small quantities of exceptional quality wines with utmost care. Many would consider them, in the words of the Wine Spectator, ‘perhaps the finest Italian wines ever made’.
See gaja.com for more information.
