Gaja Sori San Lorenzo Barbaresco 2016
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Gaja is simply one of the most famous Italian wine producers. The business was founded in 1859 in Langhe, Piedmont by Giovanni Gaja and it is his great grandson, Angelo Gaja, who currently runs the company. They are most famous for classic Piedmont wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. Indeed, Angelo has often been referred to as the “King of Barbaresco” and has been responsible for developing techniques that have revolutionised winemaking in Italy.
Vineyard: The Gaja Sori San Lorenzo Barbaresco vineyard was purchased from the parish of Alba in 1964. It is named Gaja Sori San Lorenzo, Sori, after the Piedmontese name for a “hilltop with southern exposure”, and San Lorenzo the patron saint of Alba’s cathedral. The Sorì San Lorenzo vineyard is situated in the municipality of Barbaresco, a few steps from the old town centre. The land, facing south, consists clayey-calcareous marls and covers a surface of 3.38 hectares, with an average altitude of 250 m above the sea level. The vines are 50 years old on average. After harvest, the 100% Nebbiolo grapes undergo fermentation and maceration for around three weeks followed by ageing in oak for 24 months.
Gaja Sori San Lorenzo Barbaresco is one of three single vineyard Barbaresco wines which are produced in only the tiniest quantities. The other two Gaja single vineyard Barbaresco wines are the Sorì Tildìn and Costa Russi. The vineyard was acquired by Gaja in 1964. The first vintage was in 1967 and, at the time it was one of the very first single vineyard Nebbiolo wines in Piedmont.
Weather in 2016: Despite tricky beginnings, the 2016 vintage for Piedmont was extremely good. The spring was unusually cool, which delayed flowering and, ultimately, the rest of the harvest. However, temperatures eventually lifted and a warm, dry summer ensued and despite the lack of rainfall, the vines never succumbed to drought. Barring one very violent storm in July, which brought fierce winds and wide-ranging hail, the growing season was extremely smooth. Although, the storm did cost some producers a cut in yields by up to 10 percent. Conditions remained good in the lead-up towards harvest, and strong diurnal temperature differences proved ideal for Nebbiolo to ripen while retaining its distinctive delicate aromas. The resulting harvest was superb for Nebbiolo as the grapes had had enough time to fully ripen.
Technical Information:
Grape varieties: 100% Nebbiolo
Vineyard: Sori San Lorenzo
Appellation: Barbaresco
Region: Piedmont
Alcohol: 14 %
Fermentation: 24 months ageing in oak
Closure: Cork
Tasting Note: Dense aromas of compote of quince and strawberry jam reveal the complexity of Gaja Sorì San Lorenzo Barbaresco. It is extremely rich showing red apple and pomegranate, together with notes of fully-ripe strawberry and blackberry. In the mouth, it flows carrying explosive but refined flavours. The entrance is reviving, a persistent feeling touches every part of the mouth, the sip leaves a refreshing and powerful sensation. The tannins are easily detectable but silky. Yet, it shows lingering yellow and gorse flowers on the nose.
Vineyard: The Gaja Sori San Lorenzo Barbaresco vineyard was purchased from the parish of Alba in 1964. It is named Gaja Sori San Lorenzo, Sori, after the Piedmontese name for a “hilltop with southern exposure”, and San Lorenzo the patron saint of Alba’s cathedral. The Sorì San Lorenzo vineyard is situated in the municipality of Barbaresco, a few steps from the old town centre. The land, facing south, consists clayey-calcareous marls and covers a surface of 3.38 hectares, with an average altitude of 250 m above the sea level. The vines are 50 years old on average. After harvest, the 100% Nebbiolo grapes undergo fermentation and maceration for around three weeks followed by ageing in oak for 24 months.
Gaja Sori San Lorenzo Barbaresco is one of three single vineyard Barbaresco wines which are produced in only the tiniest quantities. The other two Gaja single vineyard Barbaresco wines are the Sorì Tildìn and Costa Russi. The vineyard was acquired by Gaja in 1964. The first vintage was in 1967 and, at the time it was one of the very first single vineyard Nebbiolo wines in Piedmont.
Weather in 2016: Despite tricky beginnings, the 2016 vintage for Piedmont was extremely good. The spring was unusually cool, which delayed flowering and, ultimately, the rest of the harvest. However, temperatures eventually lifted and a warm, dry summer ensued and despite the lack of rainfall, the vines never succumbed to drought. Barring one very violent storm in July, which brought fierce winds and wide-ranging hail, the growing season was extremely smooth. Although, the storm did cost some producers a cut in yields by up to 10 percent. Conditions remained good in the lead-up towards harvest, and strong diurnal temperature differences proved ideal for Nebbiolo to ripen while retaining its distinctive delicate aromas. The resulting harvest was superb for Nebbiolo as the grapes had had enough time to fully ripen.
Technical Information:
Grape varieties: 100% Nebbiolo
Vineyard: Sori San Lorenzo
Appellation: Barbaresco
Region: Piedmont
Alcohol: 14 %
Fermentation: 24 months ageing in oak
Closure: Cork
Tasting Note: Dense aromas of compote of quince and strawberry jam reveal the complexity of Gaja Sorì San Lorenzo Barbaresco. It is extremely rich showing red apple and pomegranate, together with notes of fully-ripe strawberry and blackberry. In the mouth, it flows carrying explosive but refined flavours. The entrance is reviving, a persistent feeling touches every part of the mouth, the sip leaves a refreshing and powerful sensation. The tannins are easily detectable but silky. Yet, it shows lingering yellow and gorse flowers on the nose.
