“I am an artisan. What does it mean to be an artisan? It means to have my own project, that I like to do in my own way. The process starts in the vineyards, that is the most important for us, through the cellar until arriving in the market. My wish is to be able to give inspiration to my collaborators.” - Angelo Gaja
Could winemaker Angelo Gaja be the antidote for Zoom fatigue? When an 81-years-young Angelo Gaja appeared on my computer screen from his vineyard in Piedmont, surrounded by yellow mustard flowers and imitating the buzzing sounds of the bees that are an essential part of the vineyard’s vitality, it was a welcome shock to my system. Gaja’s wines are iconic, but a recent virtual tasting hosted by Wine.com, offered a rare opportunity to hear from the man behind the label. In wine circles, he is a legend, but in his heart, Angelo Gaja is an artisan.
With a rich history that spans five generations, Gaja’s wines have a powerful voice, and each bottle tells a story of tradition, innovation, land, family, and passion. During the Wine.com tasting, Angelo and his children, Gaia and Giovanni, amplified the message of their wines with heartwarming anecdotes and a guided tasting of three wines: Ca’Marcanda Magari from Bolgheri, Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino, and Gaja DaGromis Barolo from Piedmont.
Angelo spoke of how he teaches his children to think differently and follow their passion, and Gaia and Giovanni have certainly taken his example to heart. Wine isn’t just a business for the Gaja family; it’s at the core of their being. As Angelo said, winemakers are blessed to have a foot in nature and a foot in the world. Thanks to the wines of Gaja, I can have a foot in Manhattan and a foot in Italy.
If you want to take your palate on an adventure and feel inspired by the Gaja family’s words of wisdom, watch the video on Wine.com and pair your viewing with the wines featured in the tasting.
The tasting set, offered at a discounted price of $229.99, includes the wines listed below. Tasting notes courtesy of Wine.com.
Gaja Ca'Marcanda Magari
The Gaja Ca'Marcanda Magari is a glowing intense color. The nose is polished, refined, focused and expressive, notes of eucalyptus, herbs and pine. Fine-grained tannins surround a sleek core of black cherry, blackberry and licorice flavors, with fresh nuances gliding through a long-lasting and expressive finish. Blend: 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot.
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino
Deep garnet color. Charming notes of juniper berries, licorice and sweet wood greet your nose. This Brunello has a very clear expression of sweet and ripe fruit, opening on the palate, with notes of spice and earthy aromatic herbs. This wine has remarkable texture, mouth-filling fruit and a very good length.
Gaja DaGromis Barolo
Gaja DaGromis Barolo is an intense red color. Aromas of violets, rose petals and a hint of white pepper combine with rich, red currant, licorice and balanced oak. The initial aromatics flow across the palate with freshness and harmonious complexity, revealing juicy red orange and red grapefruit. The classic licorice and mineral austerity is buttressed by oak and noticeable tannins, which soften as the wine ages.
