Gaja Barolo Dagromis 2019

Winery Background and History: Gaja is one of Italy’s most prestigious and influential wineries, founded in 1859 by Giovanni Gaja in Barbaresco, Piedmont. Originally established to produce expressive Nebbiolo wines, the estate became a pioneer in modern Italian viniculture under Angelo Gaja in the 1970s and 1980s, who introduced innovative techniques such as barrique ageing and elevated single-vineyard bottlings. Today the winery remains family-run and revered, with vineyards across Barbaresco and Barolo that consistently produce benchmark wines combining tradition and precision. Gaja continues to shape the global reputation of Italian fine wine with meticulous vineyard management and craftsmanship.

Producer and Wine Maker: The Gaja estate enlists generations of family expertise, led historically by Angelo Gaja and now involving his descendants, who uphold a philosophy of quality over quantity. Their winemaking teams emphasize hand-harvesting, careful fermentation, and extended ageing to draw out the expressive potential of Nebbiolo. Each vineyard parcel is managed to reflect its unique character, and in wines like Dagromis, grapes are fermented and matured separately before blending to capture complexity. This disciplined production creates wines with both structure and finesse, true to Piedmont’s terroir.

Vineyards and Micro Climate: Grapes for Barolo Dagromis are sourced from historic vineyard sites in La Morra and Serralunga d’Alba within the Barolo DOCG. These sites benefit from varying exposures, elevations, and soils that include marl and limestone, which contribute to aromatic complexity and structural depth in the wine. The cool continental climate of Piedmont, with warm summers and cool nights, helps retain acidity while promoting full phenolic ripeness in Nebbiolo, resulting in wines with vibrant fruit, defined tannins and long ageing potential.

Vinification & Aging Methods: This 2019 Barolo is made from 100% Nebbiolo, with grapes from each vineyard parcel fermented and macerated separately to preserve distinct nuances. After primary fermentation, the wines undergo ageing for 12 months in oak barriques, followed by 18 months in large oak casks after blending. The traditional method emphasizes slow oxygen exchange and textural refinement, building a firm tannic backbone and layered complexity. Bottle ageing prior to release further integrates flavours and smooths structural elements. 

Tasting Notes: In the glass, the wine displays a deep garnet colour with violet highlights, characteristic of quality Nebbiolo. The bouquet reveals aromas of violet, rose petal, sour cherry, plum, sweet licorice and spice, complemented by herbal and balsamic nuances. On the palate, it delivers a balance of juicy red fruit, savoury entry, refined tannins and bright acidity, with herbal complexity and mineral undertones. The finish is long, structured and persistent, showcasing the wine’s depth and poised elegance. 

Food & Wine Pairing: This Barolo pairs beautifully with rich and robust dishes. Ideal companions include braised beef, roasted game, grilled lamb, hearty pasta with meat sauce, aged cheeses and mushroom risottos. Its firm tannins and acidity stand up to intense flavours and rich textures, while its complexity complements nuanced sauces and slow-cooked dishes. 

Service Methods and Temperatures: Serve at 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) after decanting for at least 90–120 minutes to allow the wine’s aromatics and structure to open fully. Use a large Bordeaux or Nebbiolo glass to focus the aromatic profile and enable the wine’s refined layers of fruit and spice to develop in the glass.

Storage and Aging Potential: With its firm tannic structure and balanced acidity, the 2019 vintage has excellent ageing potential, capable of evolving gracefully over 10–20+ years under proper cellar conditions. Over time, tertiary notes of leather, truffle and dried herbs can emerge, adding depth to its profile. 

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used: 100% Nebbiolo. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Approximately 14.0%.