Barbaresco (1961)

About this wine

The 1961 Gaja Barbaresco is a remarkable expression of Nebbiolo, showcasing a bouquet of rose petals, strawberries, and dried fruits, with subtle lemon peel undertones. On the palate, it presents a medium body with super silky tannins and a creamy texture, reminiscent of a fine Burgundy yet embodying the soulful character of Piedmont. As the wine evolves in the glass, it reveals layers of honey, plum, cream, and Christmas pudding, offering a dynamic and evolving tasting experience. This vintage is notable for its exceptional balance and complexity, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of the Gaja family. A true testament to the aging potential of Barbaresco, this wine continues to captivate with its depth and elegance.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 1961 Gaja Barbaresco, is a native variety from Italy's Piedmont region, known for its late ripening and sensitivity to small variations in vineyard conditions. In 1961, Angelo Gaja, having recently joined the family winery, began implementing innovative techniques such as green harvesting to enhance grape quality. This vintage was notable for its exceptionally hot weather, leading to early harvests and challenges in fermentation, which Gaja addressed by using ice to control temperatures. The 1961 Barbaresco was crafted from Nebbiolo grapes sourced from 14 different vineyards, showcasing the grape's adaptability and the region's diverse terroir.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1961 Barbaresco from Gaja was the first vintage produced by Angelo Gaja after he took over the family winery at the age of 21.
• 🌞 The 1961 vintage was exceptionally hot, leading to early harvests and unique fermentation challenges, including the use of ice to cool fermenting vats.
• 🧵 Angelo Gaja's mother hand-sewed maroon service cloths to wrap around the bottles of the 1961 Barbaresco, adding a personal touch to each bottle.
• ⏳ The 1961 Barbaresco was aged for an extended period in cask, with some lots spending up to 8-9 years in barrel before bottling.
• 🍇 The 1961 Barbaresco is renowned for its remarkable aging potential, with bottles still offering complex and evolving flavors decades later.

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.