2016 Gaja, Barbaresco

The Gaja estate, founded in 1859 and currently managed by the fifth generation of the family, remains the defining producer in the village of Barbaresco, Piedmont. This wine is made from 100% Nebbiolo, sourced from vineyard holdings that emphasize the traditional site-specific expressions the estate helped bring to international prominence. In the glass, it reveals focused notes of red cherry, licorice, and dried floral aromatics, supported by a structured, firm texture and persistent acidity. The 2016 growing season was an exceptional year in the region, providing an extended, even ripening period that resulted in high-quality fruit, remarkable balance, and clear definition. This wine is built for the cellar and serves as a primary example of the longevity and depth typical of top-tier Piedmontese production.