Darmagi Cabernet Sauvignon (2003)

About this wine

Darmagi Cabernet Sauvignon Gaja 2003 is a deep, dark red wine with an almost black hue. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, and subtle hints of menthol and coffee. The palate is rich and dense, featuring ripe dark cherry, preserved black currant, blueberry, and plum flavors. The wine's solid structure is supported by fine-grained tannins and a lifting acidity, leading to a long, persistent finish. Notably, 'Darmagi' means 'what a pity' in the Piedmontese dialect, a name chosen by Angelo Gaja's father when he realized that Cabernet Sauvignon had been planted instead of the traditional Nebbiolo.

About the grape

In 1978, Angelo Gaja planted Cabernet Sauvignon in the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy, creating the Darmagi vineyard. This was notable as it marked the first post-phylloxera planting of Cabernet Sauvignon in Piedmont. The vineyard's name, 'Darmagi,' meaning 'what a pity' in the local dialect, reflects Angelo's father Giovanni's lament over replacing traditional Nebbiolo vines with this international variety. The wine produced from this vineyard is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, with small additions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, showcasing Gaja's innovative approach to blending international grapes in a region renowned for its indigenous varieties.

Quick facts

• 😢 The name "Darmagi" means "what a pity" in the Piedmontese dialect, reflecting Giovanni Gaja's lament when his son, Angelo Gaja, planted Cabernet Sauvignon in a vineyard traditionally reserved for Nebbiolo.
• 🌱 Darmagi was the first post-phylloxera Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted in Piedmont, established in 1978.
• 🍇 The 2003 vintage of Darmagi is composed of approximately 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.
• 🛢️ This wine undergoes aging for six to eight months in barriques, followed by 12 months in large oak casks, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
• 🍷 Darmagi is known for its deep, dark red color and aromas of cassis, menthol, and coffee, offering a rich and dense texture on the palate.

Palate profile

Producer

Gaja, established in 1859 by Giovanni Gaja in Barbaresco, Italy, has been a pioneering force in winemaking for over 160 years. The Gaja family, originally from Spain, settled in Piedmont in the 17th century and began producing wines that would later gain international acclaim. Angelo Gaja, the founder's great-grandson, revolutionized Italian viticulture by introducing practices such as single-vineyard bottlings, the use of barriques, and the cultivation of international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Under his leadership, Gaja expanded beyond Piedmont, acquiring estates in Tuscany's Montalcino and Bolgheri regions, further solidifying its reputation for excellence. Today, the winery remains family-owned, with Angelo's children continuing the legacy of innovation and quality.