and more:
• Cabernet & Chardonnay: Gaja Style
• Gaja Collector's Case from Angelo
• Gaja: Beyond Nebbiolo

Gaja's Piemonte Crus

Angelo Gaja’s roots are in the tradition of the Langhe, but he believes that Barolo and Barbaresco are no longer just for the Piemontese. He maintains that there are those who like the flavors of new wood and there are also those who enjoy tannic wines. Since there is room for both in the market, why limit the creative expression of the noble Nebbiolo?! Whether you agree or disagree, one thing is for sure: Gaja’s wines can give the greatest wines of the world a run for their money. They trade at unbelievable prices and have repeatedly elevated the price standard in Piemonte. His wines have always been considered expensive on release but they appreciate more consistently than any other Piemontese wine, rewarding collectors who purchase them with very healthy returns. The 2001 vintage is no mystery. It is the best vintage since 1996 for complexity and age-ability. For these reasons you would be hard pressed to find a better investment opportunity in wine. I believe in Angelo's wines and am honored to offer one of the largest collections of them ever assembled. How these wines came to be and what makes each of these wines unique is detailed below.

With meticulous attention to detail, Angelo brought Barbaresco to fame by reducing crop size, shortening pruning of Nebbiolo vines (1962 being the first vintage he took over his father's responsibilities), decreasing fermentation periods, implementing innovative winemaking techniques (in 1981 the winery was equipped with temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation tanks), aging wines in barrique (1975 marks the first vintage although he continues to use some of the largest and oldest botti in Piemonte), and even sourcing timber to build his own barrels. He was among the first to vinify and promote single vineyard crus, beginning with Sorì San Lorenzo in 1967. His single vineyard Barbarescos - Sorì Tildìn, Sorì San Lorenzo, and Costa Russi – are now virtually unrivaled in their intensity and have achieved legendary status in the wine world; and Gaja has pushed the benchmark for quality across Piemonte and beyond the Langhe Hills into Bolgheri and Montalcino. His inventive vineyard and cellar practices consistently break new ground, often putting him in the center of controversy among the local cognoscenti - as he did recently when he dropped the appellation name of his single-vineyard Barolos and Barbarescos, which are featured today, in favor of adding a touch of Barbera to achieve higher acidity and freshness in his wines (thus the name changes: Barbaresco Sorì Tildìn is now Langhe Sorì Tildìn, and so forth).

Continue reading to learn about these wines. Should you have additional questions regarding Gaja, Barolo, Barbaresco, and larger bottle formats, please contact our Senior Portfolio Manager, Perry Porricelli, at 212.473.2323.

All the best...Sergio

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Gaja's Cru Barbarescos (Langhe Rosso)

SORI SAN LORENZO 2001
From grapes grown in the Secondine vineyard on the sorì (south-facing hillside) named for the patron saint of Alba. Of Gaja's three cru Barbarescos, the Sorì San Lorenzo is the most concentrated and powerful, providing exceptional ageing potential. Deep ruby color. Enticing scents of dense purple fruit and coffee. Fresh, spicy layers of intense dark fruit sink deep into the palate. Strong tannins are in excellent balance with an acidic dart, running far into the commanding finish.

Gaja 2001 Langhe Sorì San Lorenzo $279.95
Gaja 2001 Langhe Sorì San Lorenzo $698.90 1.5L
Gaja 2001 Langhe Sorì San Lorenzo $1,499.50 3.0L
Gaja 2000 Langhe Sorì San Lorenzo $269.00
Gaja 1999 Langhe Sorì San Lorenzo $325.00
Gaja 1999 Langhe Sorì San Lorenzo $750.00 1.5L
Gaja 1998 Langhe Sorì San Lorenzo $219.00
Gaja 1990 Sorì San Lorenzo $459.00
Gaja 1989 Sorì San Lorenzo $895.00 1.5L
Gaja 1985 Sorì San Lorenzo $398.00

SORI TILDIN 2001
The predominately south-facing vineyard providing the fruit for this wine, Roncagliette, shares its nickname with Angelo's grandmother, Clotilde Rey, who also gave her last name to one of Gaja's Chardonnays. This is a wine of balance, more intense than the Costa Russi but with less brawn than the Sorì San Lorenzo. Purple flecks dance through deep ruby red. Spicy forest aromas surround plums and sour cherries. Black fruit dominates the palate, with minerals and cocoa mulling below. This compellingly ponderous wine will become more refined with age.

Gaja 2001 Langhe Sorì Tildìn $279.95
Gaja 2001 Langhe Sorì Tildìn $698.90 1.5L
Gaja 2001 Langhe Sorì Tildìn $1,499.50 3.0L
Gaja 2000 Langhe Sorì Tildìn $269.00
Gaja 1998 Langhe Sorì Tildìn $219.00
Gaja 1996 Langhe Sorì Tildìn $350.00
Gaja 1988 Sorì Tildìn $299.00

COSTA RUSSI 2001
Like Sorì Tildìn, Costa Russi is found in the Roncagliette site of Barbaresco. An approachable Barbaresco and the most refined and delicate of the Barbaresco cru trio. Dark ruby red. The nose presents blackberries and violets that continue on the palate along with warm java. Elegant and lavish, yet retains a lively zing over the dense maze of flavors and resolute tannins.

Gaja 2001 Langhe Costa Russi $279.95
Gaja 2001 Langhe Costa Russi $698.90 1.5L
Gaja 2001 Langhe Costa Russi $1,499.50 3.0L
Gaja 1999 Langhe Costa Russi $325.00
Gaja 1999 Langhe Costa Russi $750.00 1.5L
Gaja 1998 Langhe Costa Russi $219.00
Gaja 1997 Langhe Costa Russi $375.00
Gaja 1997 Langhe Costa Russi $850.00 1.5L
Gaja 1989 Costa Russi $389.98

GAJA BARBARESCO 2001
Here, Angelo goes back to his roots, making a traditional style, blended Barbaresco, the way his father and grandfather had done. The grapes come from various vineyards in the Langhe zone, making it complex and complete. This is now his only proper Barbaresco, made with 100% Nebbiolo. Dark red with garnet hues. Complex bouquet of wild red fruits with toasted aniseed and sooty coffee beans. Rich but toned, with a vivacious stroke of acidity. Well-integrated tannins support the long finish.

Gaja 2001 Barbaresco $169.50
Gaja 2000 Barbaresco $167.99
Gaja 2000 Barbaresco $77.66 .375L
Gaja 1999 Barbaresco $169.00
Gaja 1998 Barbaresco $115.37 .375L
Gaja 1988 Barbaresco $254.00
Gaja 1982 Barbaresco $296.00

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Gaja's Cru Barolos (Langhe Rosso)

CONTEISA 2001
Gaja’s Conteisa, though the product of grapes grown in Barolo, is classified as Langhe DOC due to the 8% Barbera that is added to the Nebbiolo. The wine is named for the medieval ‘conteisa,’ or quarrel, between the zones of La Morra and Barolo over the prime vineyard land of Cerequio. The dispute was settled in 1275 when La Morra prevailed, and the plot is still treasured today for the intensely aromatic wines it provides. Gaja annexed the Gromis area of the site in 1995, one of his more recent acquisitions.

Earth tones creeping into ruby red. Sweet floral bouquet. Ripe plums and crushed red berries grace the svelte palate, adorned with spice and standing tall and strong.

Gaja 2001 Langhe Conteisa $169.50
Gaja 2001 Langhe Conteisa $369.50 1.5L
Gaja 2001 Langhe Conteisa $1,241.80 5.0L
Gaja 2000 Langhe Conteisa $167.99
Gaja 1998 Langhe Conteisa $129.95

SPERSS 2001
The name means “nostalgia” in local dialect and refers to a particular vineyard in the Marenca-Rivetta site in Serralunga where the Gaja family had purchased grapes until 1961. It was at this point that the family began producing wines exclusively from their own vineyards, and a series of changes began to unfold that would have a profound impact on Piemonte wines. As the estate grew and developed, Angelo coveted the top-quality fruit they had found here before and bought the plot in 1988. As with his other wines, he wished to improve poor vintages and in 1996 added 6% Barbera to the Nebbiolo, forfeiting the Barolo designation in order to create the product he had envisioned.

Deep, rich red. Huge, classic Barolo characteristics: ripe, expansive black cherry and strawberry fruit, truffles, minerals and spice, and streaks of tar. Exploding with flavor. Uncommon complexity and stature, with full body, firm tannins, and a stern overlying countenance typical of Serralunga wines.

Gaja 2001 Langhe Sperss $189.95
Gaja 2001 Langhe Sperss $396.50 1.5L
Gaja 2001 Langhe Sperss $1,499.95 5.0L
Gaja 1999 Langhe Sperss $118.35 .375L
Gaja 1998 Langhe Sperss $159.50
Gaja 1998 Langhe Sperss $116.34 .375L
Gaja 1997 Langhe Sperss $149.00 .375L
Gaja 1994 Sperss $72.30 .375L
Gaja 1988 Sperss $269.00

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Cabernet & Chardonnay: Gaja Style

DARMAGI 2001
Meaning “what a pity” in the Piemontese dialect, “Darmagi” is what Angelo’s grandfather sighed every time he passed the hillside vineyard where Angelo ripped out old Nebbiolo vines and replaced them with the internationally acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon. But Angelo’s gamble worked… again!

Intense dark red. A Cabernet Sauvignon (95%), Merlot (3%), and Cabernet Franc (2%) blend where luscious fruit joins minerals, dried violets, and anise in a honeyed pool of cassis. Concentrated on the nose and palate, with expansive and complex layers. This beautiful wine marries the eminent terroir of Piemonte with the distinct personalities of the international grapes. Velvety tannins and a persistent finish.

Gaja 2001 Darmagi $189.95
Gaja 2001 Darmagi $396.50 1.5L
Gaja 2001 Darmagi $834.99 3.0L
Gaja 1999 Darmagi $120.38 .375L
Gaja 1998 Darmagi $120.38 .375L
Gaja 1997 Darmagi $108.24 .375L
Gaja 1990 Darmagi $318.00

CHARDONNAY GAIA & REY 2001
Not only is this the best Chardonnay in Italy; it is also arguably the best white wine to come out of the Boot! The wine comes from Angelo's first Chardonnay vineyard and is named for his oldest daughter, Gaia Gaja, and his grandmother, Clotilde Rey, a marketing mastermind who taught Angelo the importance of promotion. And how Angelo listened. Be sure also to experience Gaja's introductory Chardonnay, Rossj-Bass.

Gaia & Rey is fermented with naturally occurring yeasts found on the grape skins and in the winery, giving the wine an added touch of exoticism. This is a hedonistic wine with lusciously ripe flavors of guava, tangerine, honey, marzipan, and oak spice. Impressively chewy in the mouth, the concentrated, ripe fruit is perfectly balanced by lively acidity that holds through the long, lingering finish.

Gaja 2001 Chardonnay Gaia & Rey $129.95
Gaja 2000 Chardonnay Gaia & Rey $129.95
Gaja 2000 Chardonnay Gaia & Rey $59.50 .375L
Gaja 2000 Chardonnay Gaia & Rey $260.00 1.5L
Gaja 1999 Chardonnay Gaia & Rey $129.50
Gaja 1999 Chardonnay Gaia & Rey $260.00 1.5L
Gaja 1998 Chardonnay Gaia & Rey $260.00 1.5L
Gaja 1996 Chardonnay Gaia & Rey $114.00

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Gaja Collector's Case from Angelo

This special Gaja Collector’s Case was specifically arranged by Angelo and is presented in a unique wooden box. The case includes two wines from each of his cru efforts. In years to come, you will find these same six wines gracing the cover of an auction catalogue. Experience the three crus from the Barbaresco that changed the wine world. These single vineyard efforts marked a movement away from the more traditional approach of multiple vineyard blends. To complement this package are Gaja’s two crus from Barolo and his Darmagi – the Cabernet Sauvignon that shocked the Piemonte establishment. See for yourself how Angelo Gaja has repeatedly proven his unorthodox ideas to be valid with the Collectors case. Also available is a six-pack sampler (1 of each) prepared by IWM.

Gaja 2001 Sorì San Lorenzo
Gaja 2001 Sorì Tildìn
Gaja 2001 Costa Russi
Gaja 2001 Darmagi
Gaja 2001 Sperss
Gaja 2001 Conteisa

Angelo Gaja 2001 Collectors Case (12) ..... $2,995.00*
IWM Gaja 2001 Cru Sampler (6)..... $1,389.25*
*Free delivery to NYC residents

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Gaja: Beyond Nebbiolo

Experience more Gaja from Piemonte with two great introductory wines: Chardonnay Rossj-Bass and the Super-Piemonte Sito Moresco. The former is a clearly defined, more graceful Chardonnay (enhanced by a touch of Sauvignon Blanc) that spends less time in barrique than the Gaia & Rey. The Sito Moresco is a blend of Nebbiolo (35%), Merlot (35%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), making it a complex wine with aging potential yet still accessible in its youth.

While Piemonte may represent Angelo Gaja’s soul, his spiritual and qualitative leadership has extended well beyond the Nebbiolo grape and the foothills of the Langhe into the blue chip locations of Montalcino and Bolgheri. The Brunellos speak for themselves and are among the best from the 1999 vintage. Heading west from Montalcino is the Ca’ Marcanda estate in the Maremma. The signature wine here is the Camarcanda, which is a blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The Magari represents one of the best values in this region. 50% Merlot with 25% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

GAJA - PIEMONTE
Gaja 2003 Chardonnay Rossj-Bass $28.27 .375L
Gaja 2000 Chardonnay Rossj-Bass $59.95
Gaja 2000 Chardonnay Rossj-Bass $27.95 .375L
Gaja 1999 Chardonnay Rossj-Bass $59.95
Gaja 1998 Chardonnay Rossj-Bass $59.95
Gaja 2001 Sito Moresco $28.27 .375L
Gaja 2000 Sito Moresco $59.95
Gaja 2000 Sito Moresco $28.27 .375L

GAJA - MONTALCINO
Santa Restituta 1999 Brunello Sugarille $125.00
Santa Restituta 1998 Brunello Sugarille $260.00 1.5L
Santa Restituta 1999 Brunello Rennina $105.00
Santa Restituta 1998 Brunello Rennina $105.00
Santa Restituta 1998 Brunello Rennina $225.00 1.5L
Santa Restituta 1997 Brunello Rennina $129.00

GAJA – BOLGHERI
Ca' Marcanda 2001 Camarcanda $112.00
Ca' Marcanda 2001 Magari $69.95

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