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Regular price
€561,60
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Vintage:
2006
Denomination:
Langhe
Grape variety:
chardonnay
Origin:
Italy, Piedmont
Alcohol:
14%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
12°
Refinement:
6-8 months in barriques
When to drink:
Dinner, Business dinner, Meditation
Type:
White Wine
Taste:
rich and embracing, with elegant woody notes and a long mineral finish
Flavorings:
ripe yellow fruit, citrus, vanilla, butter, mineral notes
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
15 years old
What kind of wine is Langhe Chardonnay DOC 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 - Gaja
The Langhe Chardonnay DOC 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 - Gaja is a Piedmontese white wine of great personality, born from Chardonnay vineyards cultivated in the Langhe, a territory renowned for its elegance and production rigor. It is a wine that combines freshness, aromatic complexity, and evident minerality, characteristics that make it unique among prestigious Italian white wines. The style is modern yet respectful of the territory, with a full body and a long, harmonious finish.
Vintage Details
The 2006 vintage in the Langhe was characterized by balanced climatic conditions. After a mild spring and moderate rainfall, the summer was stable, with warm days and cool nights, allowing the Chardonnay grapes to ripen slowly. This thermal balance favored the development of intense aromas and excellent acidity, perfect foundations for a long-lived and complex white wine.
Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking of Langhe Chardonnay DOC 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 - Gaja follows a careful and meticulous process. After soft pressing of the grapes, fermentation takes place in French oak barriques, where the wine matures on its lees for several months. This step allows for greater roundness and aromatic depth, while maintaining the typical freshness of the grape. Bottle aging completes the work, giving balance and harmony to the sip.
Tasting Notes
A wine that captivates at first glance and reveals all its complexity on the nose and palate. Here are its main sensory characteristics.
Color
It presents a bright golden yellow color, with green reflections that suggest its vivacity and freshness.
Nose
On the nose, it offers elegant and complex aromas: notes of ripe yellow fruit, citrus, white flowers, and hints of hazelnut and vanilla due to wood aging. The mineral component emerges delicately, adding depth to the overall profile.
Palate
On the palate, it is ample and velvety, supported by a fresh acidity that perfectly balances the softness. The long and savory finish concludes with a mineral touch that invites another sip.
Food Pairings for Langhe Chardonnay DOC 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 - Gaja
This structured and refined Chardonnay pairs perfectly with rich yet elegant dishes. Ideal for accompanying:
- Fish and shellfish appetizers;
- Seafood or mushroom risottos;
- Baked or steamed fish;
- Delicate white meats, such as chicken or veal with light sauces;
- Medium-aged cheeses, which enhance its creaminess.
It is also an excellent meditation wine, perfect to enjoy alone to appreciate its evolution in the glass.
Storage and Aging: How to Store Langhe Chardonnay DOC 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 - Gaja
While a white wine capable of evolving over time, Langhe Chardonnay 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 expresses its best characteristics within 2-3 years of purchase. To store it correctly, it is important to keep it horizontally, at a constant temperature between 10 and 14°C and away from direct light. This care preserves its fragrance, freshness, and complexity of aromas, guaranteeing a consistently perfect tasting experience.
Purchasing Langhe Chardonnay DOC 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 - Gaja means choosing a great Italian white wine, an authentic expression of the Langhe and the talent of the Gaja family.
Gaia
The history of the Gaja winery Gaja is an iconic name in the world of Italian wine, synonymous with tradition, excellence, and innovation. Founded in 1859 in the Langhe, one of the most prestigious wine-producing regions, the Gaja winery has built a legacy spanning five generations. This family h...
How to best open and serve Langhe Chardonnay DOC 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 - Gaja
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Langhe Chardonnay DOC 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 - Gaja, leave the bottle in an upright position for at least 24 hours. This allows any sediment, which may be present after many years of aging, to settle at the bottom, ensuring a clean pour free of impurities.
2. Ideal serving temperature
This great Piedmontese Chardonnay best reveals its aromatic complexity when served between 12°C and 14°C. Too cold would reduce its richness and evolved aromas, while higher temperatures could emphasize its alcohol content.
- Tip: take the bottle out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
- If stored in a cellar, you can briefly chill it in a bucket with ice and water to reach the ideal temperature.
3. Opening the bottle
With a lever or blade corkscrew, carefully cut the capsule below the ring. Then:
- Insert the corkscrew screw slowly, avoiding breaking the aged cork.
- Extract the cork with gentle movements, without shaking the bottle.
- If the cork appears particularly fragile, consider using an ah-so (two-pronged corkscrew) to avoid fragmentation.
4. Inspection and first taste
Smell the cork and the first pour to check for any cork taint or excessive oxidation. A well-preserved Langhe Chardonnay DOC 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 - Gaja will show enveloping aromas of honey, dried fruit, and mineral notes. The first sip will confirm the wine's vitality and balance.
5. Decanting and aeration
Even though it is a white wine, a great aged Chardonnay like this benefits from decanting. Slowly pour the contents into a clean, dry decanter, trying not to disturb the sediment. Allow to aerate for about 20-30 minutes to allow the complex bouquet to fully express itself.
- Avoid exposing it to air for too long to avoid losing aromatic finesse.
- In the absence of a decanter, you can pour it directly into the serving glass with moderate pauses to encourage natural opening.
6. Serving
Use large glasses for structured whites or Burgundian Chardonnay, which allow the wine to breathe and the aromas to evolve in the glass. Pour a moderate amount per glass and taste slowly. The Langhe Chardonnay DOC 'Gaja & Rey' 2006 - Gaja pairs beautifully with flavorful fish dishes, white meats, and aged cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with the original cork or a vacuum stopper and store it in the refrigerator. The wine will retain its qualities for 24-48 hours. Before serving again, slowly bring it back to the ideal temperature to further enhance its aromas and structure.
