Supplier of the Month: Gaja

Gaja Barbaresco & Barolo

Gaja: Life’s Work of an Italian Legend

An Age-Old Family Tradition

Since 1859, the Gaja family has been among the first in Piedmont to bottle their wines, and Angelo Gaja now carries the torch as the fifth generation. Under his leadership, the estate became synonymous with pure elegance, where tradition and innovation have gone hand in hand for generations. Each generation added premier vineyards to the family holdings, reinforcing Gaja’s reputation across the region.

Barbaresco 2022: Freshness and Depth

The 2022 Barbarescos reflect a warm, dry growing season in which Gaja experimented with 10 percent whole clusters for added freshness. The result is a concentrated wine layered with red berries, aromatic herbs and subtle floral notes. Velvety, polished tannins and a finely tuned structure promise long ageing potential, making this vintage surprisingly complex.

Barolo 2021: Structure and Ageing Potential

The 2021 harvest produced one of the most acclaimed Barolos ever: warm summer days, ample winter water reserves and cool September nights ensured perfect ripening. These wines display smooth fruit, refined tannins and open, inviting aromas. Robert Parker awarded the Conteisa and Sperss crus 98 and 98+ points respectively, recognising their exceptional depth and cellar potential.

Tuscan Discoveries: Brunello and Maremma

With the acquisition of Pieve Santa Restituta in Brunello di Montalcino and Ca’Marcanda in Maremma, Gaja extended its vision to Tuscany. Wines such as Rennina and Sugarille confirm the estate’s uncompromising pursuit of quality in the hills of Montalcino, while Promis, Magari and Camarcanda from Maremma stand out thanks to their unique terroir and Giovanni Bo–designed cellar. Some vintages were left unbottled to ensure only the very best wines carry the Gaja name.

Idda: Volcanic Intensity on Mount Etna

On Mount Etna’s southwest slopes, Angelo and his daughter Gaia joined forces with Sicilian winemaker Alberto Graci to launch the “Idda” project. Here, Nerello Mascalese and Carricante grown on volcanic soils around Biancavilla and Belpasso deliver wines of intense mineral character and Mediterranean freshness. The first red Idda appeared in 2017, the white in 2018, and the new Idda winery, opened in 2023, underscores their innovative pioneering spirit.

A Multi-Generational Vision

By consistently combining modern vinification with a celebration of their storied past, Gaja continues to push the boundaries of Italian winemaking. Angelo, together with his children Gaia and Giovanni, shapes a future where innovation, terroir and family bonds remain central. The result is a collection of wines that reflect both the richness of Piedmont and the adventurous spirit of Tuscany and Mount Etna.