Gaja Gaia & Rey Chardonnay 2021

Gaja Gaia & Rey Chardonnay 2021

 

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Gaja
Gaia & Rey Chardonnay 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Italy
  • Region : Piedmont (Langhe DOC)
  • Subregion :
  • Type : White
  • Style : Creamy Full Bodied White
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes :

Experts Score Vintage
WE Wine Enthusiast 95 2020
RP Robert Parker 95 2018
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 93 2018
JD Jeb Dunnuck 93 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

The story of this estate’s ascendancy is captivating, full of passion and innovation. The Gaja name was established in the region in the 1850s when Angelo’s great, great grandfather Giovanni Gaja moved to Piedmont and then set up a tavern in the lovely village of Barbaresco.

Since then 5 generations of the Gaja family have been involved in the winemaking process. Angelo Gaja joined the business in 1961, taking over the reins from his father Giovanni. It was at this point that the greatest changes were made and they have been fundamental.

Amongst the key changes and innovations introduced were the exclusive focus on estate grown fruit; the reduction of yields; scientifically analyzing the vineyards; separately bottling the vineyard sites to create single vineyard wines; ageing in small barrels made by a local cooperage from wood kept and seasoned at the estate as well as the traditional bottle; planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes alongside the traditional indigenous varieties much to everyone’s horror, not least that of his father.

Today Angelo Gaja and his family create spectacular Barbaresco and Barolo wines from the Nebbiolo grape at their estate in Piedmont alongside their iconic single vineyard wines under the Langhe DOC. They also produce extraordinary white wines with a great capacity to age. They are responsible for some of Italy’s most celebrated bottles which all exhibit the characteristic hallmark of power with sophisticated elegance that marks Gaja apart.

As one would expect for wines of this quality harvesting is done by hand with acute care taken to ensure that the fruit reaches the winery in perfect condition. Ruthless decision making, such as the decision in 2002 (a dilute and difficult year in Piedmont) to declassify the total crop and sell it in bulk, illustrates this well. All wines are fermented in stainless steel, with the reds seeing varying degrees of skin contact depending on the wine and the year. Ageing starts in small French oak barrels, a tactic developed by Angelo when he took responsibility for the winemaking in 1969, and moves to large oak casks for all but the whites and Sito Moresco. Angelo regards the traditional requirements that must be observed for inclusion of a wine in the legal DOC or DOCG quality standards as an impediment to his policy of seeking perfection. Thus the majority of Gaja wines are named according to the vineyard rather than the DOC or DOCG. That Costa Russi is basically Barbaresco and Sperss is basically Barolo is something that must simply be remembered.

Anyone who has had the pleasure to meet Angelo and his daughter Gaia will not be surprised by their success. They have an indomitable will, powerful personality and a total belief in their own direction. Great wines are often a reflection of the people that create them and this is definitely the case with Gaja. Multi layered, fascinating wines with great charm, elegance and longevity. It is no wonder that they are held in such great esteem.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 95 Points (2020)
A wine that started a movement when it was first released in 1983, “Gaia & Rey” continues to set the standard of Chardonnay in the Langhe. Reserved at first, the wine opens with white floral aromas mixed with ripe orchard fruits that evolve into nutty and chalky mineral notes. The palate is well balanced with vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lively with each sip.

Robert Parker (RP) : 95 Points (2018)
The Gaja 2018 Langhe Gaia & Rey is a beautifully pure Piemontese expression of Chardonnay. It opens to a light gold/straw color with brilliant luminosity. This vintage is delicate but determined, powerful but fragile all at the same time. The bouquet is shy to start off and requires (at this young stage when I tasted the wine) ample time to aerate. Once it unwinds, the wine offers fresh citrus, orchard fruit, toasted almond and spice. Only partial malolactic fermentation is completed, so the wine's energy and inner nerve is very much intact. Flint and mineral play important supporting roles. Some 16,000 bottles were made.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 93 Points (2018)
The 2018 Gaia & Rey offers up a whole range of tropical and orchard fruit flavors, showing an extra kick of creaminess that is surprising given the cool vintage and the decision to fully block the malolactic fermentation. Passion fruit, pastry, spice and a kick of well-judged oak build nicely in the glass. The 2018 finishes with lovely tension and energy.(AG) (9/2021)

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) : 93 Points (2018)
Named after Lucia and Angelo Gaja's daughter, Gaia Gaja, and Angelo's grandmother, Clotilde Rey, the 2018 Langhe Gaia & Rey (100% Chardonnay) offers a richer, layered, medium-bodied style that carries beautiful stone fruits, white flowers, salty minerality, and a touch of honeysuckle. (12/2020)

Gaja Ca
Gaja Ca' Marcanda Promis 2021
Gaja
Ca' Marcanda Promis 2021
JS
93
WS
92
RP
93
Gaja Ca' Marcanda Promis is a harmonious blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese, offering a vibrant expression of Tuscany’s rich terroir. This wine delivers balance and finesse, embodying the elegance of Bolgheri and Bibbona.
57,90 €
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Gaja Ca
Gaja Ca' Marcanda Magari 2021
Gaja
Ca' Marcanda Magari 2021
RP
96
WS
91
JS
93
Gaja Ca' Marcanda Magari is a captivating Bolgheri blend, masterfully crafted to express the region’s elegance and complexity. A wine of depth and finesse, it combines the richness of black fruits with the vibrant freshness of Mediterranean herbs.
89,00 €
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Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina 2018
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina 2018
Gaja
Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina 2018
DCT
94
RP
94
VN
95
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina is a sumptuous and complex Brunello di Montalcino, crafted from three distinct vineyards, each contributing its unique character to this exceptional wine.
229,00 €
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Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Sugarille 2018
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Sugarille 2018
Gaja
Pieve Santa Restituta Sugarille 2018
RP
98
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Sugarille is a single-vineyard Brunello di Montalcino of exceptional depth and structure, showcasing the unique character of its clay and limestone soils.
255,00 €
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Gaja Sperss 2019
Gaja Sperss 2019
Gaja
Sperss 2019
560,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Gaja Ca
Gaja Ca'Marcanda Camarcanda Bolgheri 2020
Gaja
Ca'Marcanda Camarcanda Bolgheri 2020
WS
95
RP
95
JS
95
Gaja Ca'Marcanda Camarcanda Bolgheri is a sophisticated and expressive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, offering a seamless marriage of richness and refinement from Bolgheri’s iconic terroirs.
236,00 €
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Gaja Barbaresco 2019
Gaja Barbaresco 2019
Gaja
Barbaresco 2019
JS
94
VN
93
WS
95
Gaja Barbaresco is a pure and refined expression of Nebbiolo, capturing the elegance and complexity of Piedmont’s legendary terroir. A wine of poise and depth, it represents a true icon of Italian winemaking.
246,00 €
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Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello Di Montalcino 2018
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello Di Montalcino 2018
Gaja
Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello Di Montalcino 2018
DCT
95
RP
96
VN
95
Crafted with Angelo Gaja’s signature precision, this Brunello blends heritage with modern winemaking, offering a seamless expression of red fruit, Mediterranean herbs, and velvety tannins.
99,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Gaja Costa Russi 2020
Gaja Costa Russi 2020
Gaja
Costa Russi 2020
WS
95
RP
95
JS
97
Crafted from vines averaging 65 years old, this wine captures the terroir-driven precision and richness of the Costa Russi vineyard, delivering a harmonious balance of power and finesse.
735,00 €
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Gaja Barolo Dagromis 2019
Gaja Barolo Dagromis 2019
Gaja
Barolo Dagromis 2019
Gaja Barolo Dagromis is a captivating Barolo, uniting the power of Serralunga and the elegance of La Morra. This wine masterfully expresses the distinctiveness of these two renowned subregions in Piedmont.
119,00 €
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Gaja Sito Moresco 2021
Gaja Sito Moresco 2021
Gaja
Sito Moresco 2021
Gaja Sito Moresco is a vivid and contemporary interpretation of Langhe’s historic varietals, where Nebbiolo’s finesse meets Barbera’s vibrancy in a beautifully balanced and inviting wine.
69,00 €
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Gaja Sori Tildin 2020
Gaja Sori Tildin 2020
Gaja
Sori Tildin 2020
JS
99
WS
96
RP
94
Representing one of Gaja’s most treasured crus, Sorì Tildin 2021 marries floral delicacy with profound structure, showcasing a vintage that highlights both intensity and refinement.
805,00 €
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Gaja Ca
Gaja Ca'Marcanda Vistamare 2022
Gaja
Ca'Marcanda Vistamare 2022
RP
92
Gaja Ca'Marcanda Vistamare is a vibrant blend of Vermentino, Viognier, and Fiano, capturing the essence of the Tuscan coast with its refreshing brightness and complex aromatics.
65,00 €
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Gaja Rossj Bass Chardonnay 2022
Gaja Rossj Bass Chardonnay 2022
Gaja
Rossj Bass Chardonnay 2022
RP
90
Named in honor of Angelo Gaja’s daughter Rossana, Rossj Bass offers a captivating interplay of lush fruit, Mediterranean herbs, and refreshing acidity, embodying the innovative spirit of one of Italy’s most celebrated winemaking families.
93,50 €
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Gaja Sori San Lorenzo 2020
Gaja Sori San Lorenzo 2020
Gaja
Sori San Lorenzo 2020
WS
95
RP
98
JS
98
Gaja Sorì San Lorenzo 2020 is a profound single-vineyard Nebbiolo, renowned for its complexity, elegance, and deeply layered structure. It is a shining example of Barbaresco at its most expressive and refined.
890,00 €
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Wine regions guide
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