Gaja Barbaresco DOCG 2019
(Piedmont, Italy) 375mL - [WS 95] [JS 94] [VM 93+]
Regular price $285.00 Sale price $159.97 Save $125.03
About This Wine:
The centerpiece of the portfolio, GAJA Barbaresco is a testament to the Gaja family's historic commitment to the appellation and its belief that Barbaresco stands proudly with the great growing regions of the world. The GAJA winery stopped sourcing fruit from other growers in 1961 in order to ensure the utmost quality in its wines. In all, GAJA Barbaresco is produced using grapes grown in 14 vineyards in the village of Barbaresco.
It is important to note the unique bottle shape created by the GAJA winery for this classic wine. The rich, powerful GAJA Barbaresco is intended for aging and thus benefits from a longer cork - and, in 1978, GAJA became the first winemaker in Piedmont to make that change. In order to accomodate the new format, GAJA redesigned the traditional Burgundian-format bottle used in Piedmont, created a hybrid bottle with a long Bordelaise neck and Burgundian bottle.
Length/Type of Fermentation: The grapes from each lot are fermented separately in stainless-steel vats for approximately 20 days, depending on the vintage. Upon completion of fermentation, the wine is racked to barriques, where malolactic fermentation takes place.
Length/Type of Aging: The grapes, coming from each single vineyard, separately undergo fermentation, maceration and ageing in oak for 12 months. Then they are blended and further age in oak for another 12 months.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Barbaresco has glaring vivid colors thanks to a good presence of anthocyanins. It immediately brings out notes of rose and wild strawberries followed by lighter notes of marzipan, wild fennel and a hint of juniper. Tasting saline, the wine has good length and a perception of crisp red fruits balanced by bright acidity. Together with the freshness and a tense structure, they define the main characteristics of the 2019 vintage.
Ratings & Reviews
"A complex red, this reveals multidimensional aromas and flavors of rose, cherry, licorice, mineral and spices. This is fused to a vibrant structure that, for now, gives a taut, almost racy profile. Marrying power and grace, this ends in a long, floral- and spice-tinged aftertaste. Best from 2026 through 2045. 750 cases imported." - BS (web only 2023)
94 Points - James Suckling:
"This has aromas of iron, mineral, bitter chocolate, wild strawberries, raw walnuts, orange peel and decayed roses. Medium- to full-bodied, with sleek and very chalky tannins. Lots of fruit on the palate with a fine, fresh and mineral end. Pure and linear. Try in 2025." (Jan 2023)
93+ Points - Vinous Media:
"Gaja's 2019 Barbaresco is gorgeous. Bright and nervy, with fabulous balance, the 2019 captures all the best this tricky vintage had to offer. Gaja did not bottle any other Barbaresco crus, opting to use the best lots for this bottling. That decision paid off in a 2019 that sizzles with tension. The aromatics alone are captivating. Bright acids llend vibrancy to a core of beautifully delineated Nebbiolo fruit. I can't wait to see how this ages." - Antonio Galloni (Oct 2022)