2014 Gaja Barbaresco

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Enjoy now or cellar until 2038
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Serve at 16-18°C

Description

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Gaja Winery

Founded in 1859 in Barbaresco, Gaja is one of Italy's leading wineries. Its style focuses on precision, terroir expression, and long aging. The vineyards operate according to sustainable and increasingly biodynamic principles, focusing on healthy soils and low yields. In the cellar, Gaja combines traditional Piedmontese methods with modern insights, prioritizing purity, balance, and consistency.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

This Barbaresco comes from the Langhe region of Piedmont, using grapes from various vineyards around Barbaresco and Treiso. The 2014 vintage had an exceptionally long and slow growing season, with a cool summer and a warm spell just before harvest. These conditions allowed for slow ripening, which is ideal for Nebbiolo, resulting in wines with aromatic depth, ripe fruit, and retained freshness.

Barbaresco within the domain

Gaja's Barbaresco is a blend of grapes from several top vineyards within the appellation. This wine forms the backbone of the estate and demonstrates each year how carefully selected plots can combine to create a complete and harmonious whole. In 2014, this resulted in a Barbaresco that closely resembles the Cru wines in intensity and structure, with a remarkable degree of cohesion and depth.

Vineyards

The grapes come from various plots with chalky soils and clay, which provides structure and aromatic complexity. Using multiple locations allows for a balance between ripeness, tension, and tannins. The low yields in 2014 contributed to extra concentration and a firm core.

Grape varieties and composition

The wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo. The selection focuses on grapes with ripe tannins, aromatic intensity, and sufficient natural acidity. In 2014, this resulted in a wine with ripe fruit and spicy depth, without overpowering sharpness or bitterness.

Harvest

The harvest followed a long growing season, with ripening arriving late. Thanks to the warm spell at the end of the season, the grapes were able to fully ripen, while the slow development created complexity and balance. Yields were significantly lower than average, contributing to concentration.

Vinification

Vinification was carried out with a focus on controlled extraction, appropriate for the vintage's concentration. Fermentation and maceration were aimed at preserving aromatic expression and developing structure, without harshness. This method aligns with the house's philosophy of prioritizing vintage and provenance.

Maturation

The wine was aged in a combination of large wooden barrels and smaller casks. This aging process ensures integration of tannins and preservation of freshness, while further refining the structure. The approach focuses on balance and aging potential, not just on early accessibility.

Color, smell and taste

The color is deep ruby red. The aroma reveals floral notes, ripe red and dark fruit, spices, licorice, and tobacco. On the palate, the wine is powerful and concentrated, with a dense structure and a clear tannic backbone. At the same time, the style remains energetic and precise, with lively acidity that adds tension and length. The finish is long, intense, and layered.

Development and drinking window

This Barbaresco is designed for aging and currently presents itself as compact and structured. Further bottle aging will enhance the nuance and complexity, further refining the tannins. The drinking window generally runs from around 2018 to 2035+, with potential for extended aging under good conditions.

Summary of professional reviews

Monica Larner awarded this wine 94 points, highlighting its ripe fruit expression, finesse, and lack of harshness, despite the challenging growing season. Antonio Galloni awarded it 96 points, praising its intensity, energy, and structure, emphasizing its excellent aging potential. Both reviewers see 2014 as a year of tension and focus.

The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

  • Braised veal cheek with sage and celeriac, complemented well by the structure and depth of the wine.
  • Roasted guinea fowl with mushrooms and thyme, matching the floral and spicy notes.
  • Risotto with porcini and aged Parmesan, which enhances the earthy and umami elements.
  • Venison with roasted carrot and a light herb sauce, which complements the tannin structure beautifully.
  • Roasted beetroot with lentils and bay leaf, which respects the tension and freshness of the wine.

Specifications

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Type of Wine Red
Country Italy
Region Piemonte
Appellation Barbaresco
Icons Icon Italy
Winery Gaja
Grape Nebbiolo
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Vintage 2014
Drinking as of 2018
Drinking till 2038
Alcohol % 14
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Parker rating 94
Vinous rating 96

Professional Reviews

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Parker

94

Vinous

96

Wijnhuis

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The history of winery Gaja starts in 1859, the year in which Giovanni Gaja, a local grape grower in Barbaresco, Piemonte, founded a wine company under his own name. A generation later, it is Angelo, grandfather of the current owner, who continues to make wine with the same determination as his father. He is supported in this by Clotilde Rey with whom he marries in 1905. They teach their scion Giovanni named after his grandfather so that as a winemaker you should not make any concessions; nothing should be at the expense of the quality of the wine.

In 1961 Giovannis son Angelo works in the family business. After graduating as an economist from the University of Turin and graduating from the School of Viticulture & Oenology in Alba, the young Angelo left abroad for an internship at wine farms in Bordeaux, Burgundy, along the Rin and in California. Full of fresh ideas, he had now returned to his native Piemonte. When Angelo Gaja took over his parents' company in 1970, he asked his old classmate and winemaker Guido Rivella to assist him. Together they implement a number of revolutionary changes for the region. For example, they sometimes reduce yields per hectare by up to half the number of liters allowed, they experiment with vinification methods, the planting of new - both red and white - grape varieties and pioneering ripening techniques. The results are astonishing and Gaja conquers the world with his beautiful Barbaresco's - the company's flagship.

The nebbiolo grapes for the Barbaresco of Gaja traditionally came from different vineyards. Angelos' father, grandfather and his father did just that before. Although young Angelo would not end this tradition, he launched a new line of Barbaresco's from a single vineyard. Interest in these experimental single vinyard wines became more and more popular. As a proponent of a dynamic, purely quality-oriented wine culture, the brilliant winemaker decides from 1996 to completely break with what he considers to be a conservative and restrictive Italian designation of origin. Only his traditional Barbaresco is still on the market as a prestigious DOCG. He deliberately 'declassifies' all other red single vineyard wines into regional Langhe Nebbiolo DOC. These are the Sorì San Lorenzo, the Sorì Tildìn and the Costa Russi. Gajas Barolo Sperss also underwent the same name change. With the exception of the Dagromis Barolo DOCG, Sito Moresco and Conteisa de Langhe also bear DOC. Langhe DOC is also on the label of his white toppers from Piemonte, the Rossj-Bass, Alteni di Brassica and Gaia & Rey. After all, for Gaja the abbreviation does not guarantee good quality of a wine but the name of the producer.

Food

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Attachments

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Description

Gaja Winery

Founded in 1859 in Barbaresco, Gaja is one of Italy's leading wineries. Its style focuses on precision, terroir expression, and long aging. The vineyards operate according to sustainable and increasingly biodynamic principles, focusing on healthy soils and low yields. In the cellar, Gaja combines traditional Piedmontese methods with modern insights, prioritizing purity, balance, and consistency.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

This Barbaresco comes from the Langhe region of Piedmont, using grapes from various vineyards around Barbaresco and Treiso. The 2014 vintage had an exceptionally long and slow growing season, with a cool summer and a warm spell just before harvest. These conditions allowed for slow ripening, which is ideal for Nebbiolo, resulting in wines with aromatic depth, ripe fruit, and retained freshness.

Barbaresco within the domain

Gaja's Barbaresco is a blend of grapes from several top vineyards within the appellation. This wine forms the backbone of the estate and demonstrates each year how carefully selected plots can combine to create a complete and harmonious whole. In 2014, this resulted in a Barbaresco that closely resembles the Cru wines in intensity and structure, with a remarkable degree of cohesion and depth.

Vineyards

The grapes come from various plots with chalky soils and clay, which provides structure and aromatic complexity. Using multiple locations allows for a balance between ripeness, tension, and tannins. The low yields in 2014 contributed to extra concentration and a firm core.

Grape varieties and composition

The wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo. The selection focuses on grapes with ripe tannins, aromatic intensity, and sufficient natural acidity. In 2014, this resulted in a wine with ripe fruit and spicy depth, without overpowering sharpness or bitterness.

Harvest

The harvest followed a long growing season, with ripening arriving late. Thanks to the warm spell at the end of the season, the grapes were able to fully ripen, while the slow development created complexity and balance. Yields were significantly lower than average, contributing to concentration.

Vinification

Vinification was carried out with a focus on controlled extraction, appropriate for the vintage's concentration. Fermentation and maceration were aimed at preserving aromatic expression and developing structure, without harshness. This method aligns with the house's philosophy of prioritizing vintage and provenance.

Maturation

The wine was aged in a combination of large wooden barrels and smaller casks. This aging process ensures integration of tannins and preservation of freshness, while further refining the structure. The approach focuses on balance and aging potential, not just on early accessibility.

Color, smell and taste

The color is deep ruby red. The aroma reveals floral notes, ripe red and dark fruit, spices, licorice, and tobacco. On the palate, the wine is powerful and concentrated, with a dense structure and a clear tannic backbone. At the same time, the style remains energetic and precise, with lively acidity that adds tension and length. The finish is long, intense, and layered.

Development and drinking window

This Barbaresco is designed for aging and currently presents itself as compact and structured. Further bottle aging will enhance the nuance and complexity, further refining the tannins. The drinking window generally runs from around 2018 to 2035+, with potential for extended aging under good conditions.

Summary of professional reviews

Monica Larner awarded this wine 94 points, highlighting its ripe fruit expression, finesse, and lack of harshness, despite the challenging growing season. Antonio Galloni awarded it 96 points, praising its intensity, energy, and structure, emphasizing its excellent aging potential. Both reviewers see 2014 as a year of tension and focus.

The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

  • Braised veal cheek with sage and celeriac, complemented well by the structure and depth of the wine.
  • Roasted guinea fowl with mushrooms and thyme, matching the floral and spicy notes.
  • Risotto with porcini and aged Parmesan, which enhances the earthy and umami elements.
  • Venison with roasted carrot and a light herb sauce, which complements the tannin structure beautifully.
  • Roasted beetroot with lentils and bay leaf, which respects the tension and freshness of the wine.

Specifications

Type of Wine Red
Country Italy
Region Piemonte
Appellation Barbaresco
Icons Icon Italy
Winery Gaja
Grape Nebbiolo
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Vintage 2014
Drinking as of 2018
Drinking till 2038
Alcohol % 14
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Parker rating 94
Vinous rating 96

Professional Reviews

Parker

94

Vinous

96

Wijnhuis

The history of winery Gaja starts in 1859, the year in which Giovanni Gaja, a local grape grower in Barbaresco, Piemonte, founded a wine company under his own name. A generation later, it is Angelo, grandfather of the current owner, who continues to make wine with the same determination as his father. He is supported in this by Clotilde Rey with whom he marries in 1905. They teach their scion Giovanni named after his grandfather so that as a winemaker you should not make any concessions; nothing should be at the expense of the quality of the wine.

In 1961 Giovannis son Angelo works in the family business. After graduating as an economist from the University of Turin and graduating from the School of Viticulture & Oenology in Alba, the young Angelo left abroad for an internship at wine farms in Bordeaux, Burgundy, along the Rin and in California. Full of fresh ideas, he had now returned to his native Piemonte. When Angelo Gaja took over his parents' company in 1970, he asked his old classmate and winemaker Guido Rivella to assist him. Together they implement a number of revolutionary changes for the region. For example, they sometimes reduce yields per hectare by up to half the number of liters allowed, they experiment with vinification methods, the planting of new - both red and white - grape varieties and pioneering ripening techniques. The results are astonishing and Gaja conquers the world with his beautiful Barbaresco's - the company's flagship.

The nebbiolo grapes for the Barbaresco of Gaja traditionally came from different vineyards. Angelos' father, grandfather and his father did just that before. Although young Angelo would not end this tradition, he launched a new line of Barbaresco's from a single vineyard. Interest in these experimental single vinyard wines became more and more popular. As a proponent of a dynamic, purely quality-oriented wine culture, the brilliant winemaker decides from 1996 to completely break with what he considers to be a conservative and restrictive Italian designation of origin. Only his traditional Barbaresco is still on the market as a prestigious DOCG. He deliberately 'declassifies' all other red single vineyard wines into regional Langhe Nebbiolo DOC. These are the Sorì San Lorenzo, the Sorì Tildìn and the Costa Russi. Gajas Barolo Sperss also underwent the same name change. With the exception of the Dagromis Barolo DOCG, Sito Moresco and Conteisa de Langhe also bear DOC. Langhe DOC is also on the label of his white toppers from Piemonte, the Rossj-Bass, Alteni di Brassica and Gaia & Rey. After all, for Gaja the abbreviation does not guarantee good quality of a wine but the name of the producer.

Food

🍷

Binnenkort beschikbaar

Voor deze wijn worden binnenkort automatisch passende gerechten toegevoegd. In de tussentijd kunt u onze wijnadvies tool gebruiken.

Ontdek onze Wijnadvies Tool

Trivia

Attachments