The pinnacle of Italian white wine from 'Sauvignon Blanc', highest quality – the 2021 "Alteni di Brassica" from GAJA, a "Langhe Sauvignon Blanc". The GAJA winery, located in Piedmont, northwestern Italy, is widely considered one of the greatest estates in the world, producing coveted and collectible wines.
The 2021 vintage of "Alteni di Brassica" is a classic style "Langhe Sauvignon Blanc" wine, characterized by aromas of oyster shells, mountain herbs, white peaches, and flint. Over time, the wine opens up and reveals more pronounced notes of sage, cedar, tomato leaves, and cardamom. On the palate, the wine is fresh, long-lasting, savory, medium-bodied, and finishes with a subtle hint of salinity.
"Alteni di Brassica" is produced from the Barbaresco and Serralunga vineyards, which cover approximately 3 hectares (7.5 acres), mainly of calcareous clay soil. Fermentation. Aging takes place in oak barrels for six to eight months.
Serve at 10°-12°C with seafood, shellfish, risotto.
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.
"This wine is currently in a timid phase, although it is quite explosive in terms of mouthfeel with bright peach, citrus and hints of crushed stone. They worked hard to achieve the creaminess of the mouthfeel."
The Gaja family settled in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy in the mid-17th century. They have been producing wine in the Barbaresco area since 1859. Four generations of dedicated work and a noble pursuit of making top-quality wines have made the Gaja name synonymous with Italian winemaking excellence worldwide. Today, the fifth generation – Gaia, Giovanni, and Rossana Gaja – continues the family traditions, leading this legendary winery.
Currently, Gaja in Piedmont produces both classic expressions of the ‘Nebbiolo’ grape – Barbarescos and Barolos – and innovative “Langhe DOC” red and white wines from international grape varieties. The family also owns two estates in Tuscany: “Ca’Marcanda” in Bolgheri, famous for its “Super Tuscan” wines, and “Pieve S. Restituta” in the Montalcino area, producing “Brunello di Montalcino” wines. Additionally, a joint project with Alberto Graci in Sicily, at the foot of Mount Etna, testifies to the family’s constant pursuit of innovation and quality.
The Gaja family firmly believes that the true spirit and quality of wine are born in the vineyards themselves. Therefore, the greatest attention is paid to vineyard care: searching for climate change-resistant clones, limiting yields, growing other crops between vineyard rows to enrich the soil and help retain moisture and protect the harvest from heat. The highest quality standards are applied to all farms: grapes are grown only in family-owned vineyards, adhering to ecological and sustainability principles, with particular attention to soil quality and biodiversity.
Wine Style
Gaja wines are characterized by elegance, complexity, and perfectly reflect the terroir of their origin regions.
Prestigious Vineyards
The Gaja family owns prestigious vineyards in the Piedmont and Tuscany regions:
Aging and Consumption Period
Gaja wines are characterized by an excellent balance, allowing them to be enjoyed both young and mature. They have immense potential to age and develop over time, revealing new nuances of their character.
