2008 Gaja - Barbaresco, Piedmont - 3 Butelki (0,75l)

Gaja is one of the best-known wine producers in all of Italy. Originating in and still based in Barbaresco, in northwest Italy, the Gaja name remains most strongly associated with Nebbiolo-based wines, though the company now makes more wine in Tuscany than Piedmont.

Gaja is famous for having introduced Barbaresco wines to a wider audience and for modernizing Piedmont – introducing international grape varieties and winemaking practices more common in Bordeaux or California. However, traditional elements remain, such as long macerations and the use of larger oak barrels (albeit in combination with new barriques).

For Piedmont, the 2008 vintage was excellent despite some up and down weather. The resulting wines were surprisingly good, particularly when it came to Nebbiolo. The resulting Barolo and Barbaresco were rich, concentrated and intense but with sophisticated structure, balanced acidity and tannins.

Overall, the 2008 vintage for Piedmont was excellent, despite a tricky growing season. There are likely to be a wide range of reds from both Nebbiolo and Barbera drinking superbly now, and many should still have a long life in the cellar ahead of them.