Description
We were impressed by this wine for its combination of Brunello flavour (down to the Sangiovese grape and long ageing in cellar), plus the intense, pure fruit of the Gaja style. The Sangiovese grapes were fermented for up to three weeks then aged in oak for 24 months before being blended and aged for an additional six months in concrete vats. The 2017 is expressive and perfumed with red fruits, cherries, liquorice and spice, plus a hint of earth, cedar and mixed herbs too. It has all the complexity of a good Brunello plus a very long, satisfyingly flavourful finish. A fine wine indeed! Drink now till 2028 in half bottle.
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 2028.
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’.
