Gaia & Rey Chardonnay (2019)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and elegant Chardonnay from Piedmont, offering layers of fruit and a refined finish.
About this wine
The 2019 Gaja Gaia & Rey Chardonnay from Langhe, Italy, presents a harmonious blend of ripe pear, peach, and apple flavors, complemented by subtle notes of honey and minerals. Aged for 6 to 8 months in French oak barrels, this wine develops a creamy texture with hints of vanilla and butter, adding depth to its profile. The balanced acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the richness, leading to a clean and lingering finish. Notably, this Chardonnay is produced by the esteemed Gaja winery, renowned for its innovative winemaking practices in the Piedmont region. The Gaia & Rey vineyard, planted in 1979, was among the first in the area to cultivate Chardonnay, showcasing Gaja's pioneering spirit in introducing international grape varieties to Italy.
About the grape
In 1979, the Gaja winery planted Chardonnay vines in the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy, marking the first time this grape was cultivated there. This initiative led to the creation of 'Gaia & Rey,' Italy's first white wine aged in barriques. The wine is named after Angelo Gaja's daughter, Gaia, and his grandmother, Clotilde Rey, reflecting the family's deep connection to their winemaking heritage. The Chardonnay grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards in Treiso and Serralunga d'Alba, planted in 1979 and 1989, respectively. These vineyards have soils low in potassium and nitrogen, which naturally limits vine growth and yield, resulting in grapes with concentrated flavors.
Quick facts
- 👩👧 The name "Gaia & Rey" honors Angelo Gaja's daughter, Gaia, and his grandmother, Clotilde Rey.
- 🍷 This wine was the first Italian white to be aged in barriques, marking a significant innovation in Italian winemaking.
- 🌱 The Chardonnay vines for this wine were planted in 1979 in Treiso and in 1989 in Serralunga d'Alba, regions traditionally known for red wines.
- 🪵 The wine undergoes fermentation and aging in wood, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
- 🏆 The 2019 vintage of Gaia & Rey received a 94/100 rating from Vinous, reflecting its exceptional quality.
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.
