Gaja, Gaia & Rey, Chardonnay, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy, 2023

Overview of the Wine
In 2015, Angelo Gaja and Alberto Graci met for the first time. As the Gaja’s got to better know Alberto and his family over time, Angelo’s deep curiosity for their culture and land kept growing, and the desire of working together came naturally. Toward the end of 2016, based on the mutual respect and love of the artisanal approach in winemaking, Gaja and Graci decided to form a joint venture, a first for both of their families.

“Idda” (ee-duh) means “she” in the Sicilian dialect, which is a term of endearment and expression of awe with which Sicilians refer to Mt. Etna. For the people of Sicily, Etna is more than a mountain; it is a breathing being with her own identity and personality, a quick-tempered, capricious, yet maternal and protective mother on whom they depend on each day. In honor of Etna, IDDA is the name of our new adventure. A joint venture involving two families: Gaja and Graci (Gra-chi), that began in 2016, founded to explore the southern slope of Etna. Together searching for vineyards that express elegance and complexity driven by the specific site, soil & sunlight- that is unique to this land. IDDA is pure energy.

Winemaker
Gaia Gaja (succeeding Angelo Gaja)

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
On the nose, it opens with notes of honey and hints of hemp and jute, accompanied by a calcareous base and smoky woody notes, along with a good citrus freshness.Accents of pastry cream and cedar also stand out, with well-integrated wood and a long-lasting freshness. The intensity on the nose is heightened by spices such assandalwood and vanilla, culminating in a pleasant green and smoky finish. On the palate, the wine is fresh, full, sweet, and persistent.

94 Points - Vinous (2022 Vintage)
The 2022 Gaia & Rey is another terrific white from Gaja in this challenging but surprising vintage. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and a kiss of French oak all grace this creamy, beautifully textured Chardonnay. Impressive. 

Product size: 750ml