2021 Gaja Alteni di Brassica
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Tasting notes
The Gaja 2021 Langhe Alteni di Brassica is showing beautifully right now. This wine has seen a few tweaks over the years. In fact, the previous 2020 vintage already saw the introduction of some Alta Langa fruit (from the Gaja family's new vineyard and winery) in the blend. However, the base of the blend comes from old vines planted in 1983 in Serralunga d'Alba (in the Vigna Rionda). The Alta Langa fruit in this vintage measures 10%, but that number jumps to 30% in 2022. Giovanni Gaja tells me that "the raw part of the wine," or in other words, the citrusy side of the wine, is brought by the Alta Langa fruit. Winemaking and aging are an effort to protect the wine from oxygen, with racking only when necessary. The wine is matured on the lees in 60% stainless steel and 40% large oak botti. Sauvignon Blanc from Barbaresco tends to be delicate and floral, Sauvignon Blanc from Serralunga d'Alba is structured and Sauvignon Blanc from Alta Langa has the freshness and sharpness, says Giovanni Gaja.
Critic scores
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
First vintage was 1986. This is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% from their new plantings in Alta Langa, 80% from two vineyards in Barbaresco and Serralunga d’Alba planted in 1988. They are pulling out white-wine vineyards and haven’t yet decided what to plant there. They may become a nursery for the mass selections they are making. Fermentation and ageing in large oak for six to eight months plus 20% made and aged in tank. ‘Serralunga gives structure, Barbaresco fruit and Alta Langa acidity’, according to Gaia Gaja. From 2023, the wine has been made in their new winery in Alta Langa. Pure, quite rich Sauvignon nose. This positively pulses on the palate and is very tense and vibrant. Lots of green-fruit flavours. A superior Sauvignon with real presence and depth. (JR)
The 2021 Alteni di Brassica is a gorgeous, steely white endowed with tons of varietal character. This is the first vintage that includes fruit from the Gaja family's new vineyards in Alta Langa. Lemon peel, sage, mint, dried herbs, chamomile and a touch of tropical fruit linger on the bright, saline finish. (AG)
Sliced pears and limes with some pear blossom aromas. Hints of fennel. Medium body. Pretty phenolics. Spicy and tangy finish. Some lemon zest. 60% in stainless with the rest in barrels. Uses some fruit from Alto Langa. Drink or hold.
About the producer
Gaja has been at the forefront of the Piedmont wine scene for many years and is Barbaresco’s most decorated producer. The winery has received a record number of Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri awards – the highest accolade from Italy’s leading wine publication.