Gaja's Barbaresco is the wine that launched the worldwide reputation of the family and of Angelo Gaja, who from the 1960s onwards put the Langhe on the lists of the world's greatest wines. From 1996 to 2012, after the single-vineyard wines moved to the Langhe DOC, it was the only wine of the house to carry the Barbaresco name on its label.
It is a blend of several estate vineyards in the village of Barbaresco, meant to express the character of the village rather than a single cru. Ageing combines about a year in barriques and a year in large casks: a choice that caused controversy at the time and is now part of the Gaja style.
2010 is regarded as one of the great classic Langhe vintages, cool and long, giving wines of remarkable balance and longevity. At over fifteen years old the wine has entered its evolved phase: ripe red fruit, dried rose, tobacco, spice and forest floor over tannins that have now polished. With beef braised in Barolo, game or tajarin with truffle.
At a glance: Nebbiolo 100% · 14.5% ABV · 0.75 l · Gaja, Barbaresco (CN)