Gaja - Barbaresco 2022

The Gaja family settled in Piedmont (northwest Italy) in the mid-seventeenth century. Five generations of Gajas have been producing wines in Piedmont’s Langhe hills since 1859, the year Giovanni Gaja, a local grape grower, founded the GAJA Winery in Barbaresco. 

Giovanni’s son, Angelo (grandfather of today’s Angelo Gaja), was blessed with ambition and vision. Clotilde Rey, whom he married in 1905, inspired him to establish the tradition to which the Gajas have adhered ever since – total dedication to uncompromising quality. 

Angelo and Clotilde’s son, Giovanni, continued to follow the high standards his parents had set, producing Barbarescos that were renowned throughout Italy. Thanks to his Barbaresco, the winery’s flagship, Gaja wines achieved a leadership position in Italy. Giovanni increased vineyard holdings, acquiring Sorì Tildìn, Costa Russi, Sorì San Lorenzo and Darmagi, thereby permitting the Gaja family to produce wines of the highest quality exclusively from its own vineyards. 

Giovanni’s son, Angelo, joined the Winery in 1961 and combined his respect for the traditions of the Langhe with bold innovations in the vineyards and the cellars. He also introduced GAJA wines to foreign markets. 

Today, Angelo lives in Barbaresco with his wife Lucia and their three children, Gaia, Rossana, and Giovanni who represent the fifth generation. 

The grapes, coming from each single vineyard, separately undergo fermentation, maceration, and aging in oak for 12 months. Then they are blended and further age in oak for another 12 months.

“Fresh and restrained wine, with an exquisite mix of graphite, orange peel, dried cherries and strawberries, as well as whiffs of potpourri and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, it displays velvety, ripe tannins with tight-knit acidity and a juicy style, despite the more biting finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.” - 96 Points, James Suckling

“Showing that Gaja Midas Touch, the 2022 Barbaresco is a seamless wine with a long, polished mouthfeel. This vintage saw 10% whole-cluster fruit. That fermentation method started on an experimental level in 2021, but it's giving encouraging results, Giovanni Gaja tells me, because it reinforces impressions of freshness, especially in the hot years. This Barbaresceo shows Nebbiolo purity, while remaining chiseled and elegant all the while. The bouquet peels off to reveal pretty layers of crushed rose, stone and plump fruit. The tannins are beautifully balanced.” - 95 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“All of Gaja’s 2022s have a good richness of color with a jeweled ruby hue, and the 2022 Barbaresco is fresh and ripe on the nose with lovely purity and a layered feel. The nose is spicy with notes of wild strawberries, candied orange, white pepper, and fresh flowers. The palate has a rounded feel but, from the start, has refreshing acidity and an elegant tapering finish. The tannins are ripe and defined without being aggressive. Drink 2026-2046.” - 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Producer: Gaja

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Nebbiolo

Appellation: Barbaresco

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml