Gaja

"People who have no tradition have more freedom."
-Angelo Gaja

This famed Piedmont winery has been pairing modernity and tradition to create exquisite wines. While they respect past traditions, the Gaja family is not bound by them, as they consistently institute innovative concepts into classic Italian winemaking.

In the late 1960s, fourth generation winemaker Angelo Gaja implemented new techniques in the vineyard by planting international varietals. In the cellar he employed stricter temperature control of fermentations to more gently handle Nebbiolo’s tannins, and chose to age his wines in French oak barriques. It’s risky making new style wines in the Old World as they are often not well received, but these have been wildly successful. Stylistically, the wines are bold, masculine, austere and acerbic. Great vintages to look out for: 1971, 1982, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 200, 2009, 2011.

www.gaja.com