Winery Overview & History
Gaja is one of Italy’s most influential and visionary wine estates, founded in 1859 by Giovanni Gaja in the heart of Barbaresco, Piedmont. Under the leadership of Angelo Gaja since the 1960s, the estate transformed Barbaresco and Barolo into global benchmarks of quality, blending innovation with deep respect for tradition. Angelo’s philosophy—precision in the vineyard, integrity in winemaking—helped redefine Italian fine wine on the world stage.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
Gaja’s historic vineyards are situated in the rolling hills of Barbaresco and Barolo, where the Langhe’s calcareous clay and marl soils yield Nebbiolo of remarkable structure and perfume. The cool continental climate with warm days and foggy autumns enhances aromatic complexity and the elegant, age-worthy tannins that define the region’s wines.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
While Nebbiolo remains the soul of Gaja, the estate also cultivates Barbera, Dolcetto, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Gaja’s wines marry richness with finesse—expressive aromatics, fine-grained tannins, and long, seamless finishes. Their style is modern in polish yet rooted in place, showing depth, balance, and remarkable longevity.
Signature Wines
- Gaja Barbaresco DOCG — The estate’s flagship wine since 1859, elegant and structured, crafted from multiple estate parcels in Barbaresco.
- Costa Russi, Sorì Tildìn, Sorì San Lorenzo — Three single-vineyard crus that define Gaja’s legacy; profound, layered, and collectible.
- Gaja Sperss (Barolo DOCG) — A return to Barolo excellence, combining power with haunting grace.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Gaja integrates modern precision with traditional discipline—hand harvesting, strict selection, and temperature-controlled fermentation. Wines are aged in a mix of large Slavonian casks and small French barriques for balance and complexity. Every detail—from vine density to cork selection—reflects the family’s uncompromising pursuit of excellence.
Visitor & Contact Information
Visiting: The Gaja cellars are open by appointment, offering guided tours and tastings in Barbaresco.
Address: Via Torino 18, 12050 Barbaresco (CN), Piemonte, Italy
Phone: +39 0173 635138
Website: www.gaja.com
Email: info@gaja.com
* Photo Courtesy of Decanter