# Conteisa Barolo (2019)

- **Producer:** Gaja
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piedmont, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €364
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, rose, red cherry, violet, tobacco, liquorice, cedar, spice, dried fruit, mushroom, wet leaves, leather, forest floor

## About this wine

Gaja Conteisa Barolo 2019 is a 100% Nebbiolo wine from the Barolo DOCG in Piedmont, Italy. It originates from the Cerequio cru in La Morra, a vineyard with a rich history. The Gaja winery, established in 1859, is a family-run estate known for its innovation and dedication to quality. The name 'Conteisa' reflects a historical dispute over the Cerequio area. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm, dry growing season, contributing to the wine's structure and ripeness.

## Interesting facts

- Conteisa means 'contest' in Piedmontese, referencing an ancient land dispute.
- The vines for Conteisa average 60 years old.
- Cerequio cru has a historical significance dating back to 1275.
- Gaja is a pioneer in modern Italian winemaking.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body, firm tannins, and vivid acidity are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes. The tannins bind with proteins, softening the wine and cleansing the palate. The wine's complex aromatic profile, including notes of herbs and spice, complements the savory elements in these dishes.

## Wine making process

The Gaja Conteisa Barolo 2019 is produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Following harvest, the wine undergoes fermentation, with details on vessels and temperatures not specified. It is then aged for 30 months in oak barrels. This aging process is a key component in developing the wine's structure and aromatic profile. The winemaking approach emphasizes the expression of the Cerequio vineyard's terroir.