GAJA BAROLO CONTEISA 750ML 2018

The Gaja 2018 Barolo Conteisa shows very nicely, with ripe aromas of plum, strawberry, grilled herb and chamomile flower. Give the wine time and it shows more herbal sensations and even a blast of mint that is characteristic of Cerequio, where the grapes are harvested. This wine was first labeled Barolo in 2013, and before that it was a Langhe red. The Gaja family has five hectares in this cru, and Gaia Gaja describes the lovely perfumes given off by wild mint that rubs off on your legs when you walk through the vineyard rows. This site has compact clay soils that are prone to erosion during heavy rains. These conditions give natural concentration and firmness to the wine, although compared to other years, this wine is perhaps less structured. Gaia Gaja compares 2018 to 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994. The upcoming 2019 has more tannins and acidity, she says. Production was lower in 2018, with 5,700 bottles made, down from an annual average of 8,000.

The grapes for Gaja's Conteisa all come from Cerequio. 'Just 5,000 bottles this year, while in the best vintages we could reach 10,000,' said Gaia Gaja. The nose is highlighted by kirsch, dried cherry and earthy tones with subtle mint and peony. Cherry and strawberry dominate the fruit-driven palate, with a touch of coffee. The wine is full, with ripe tannins of great quality and moderate acidity.