# Gaia & Rey (2021)

- **Producer:** Gaja
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €324
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apricot, peach, lemon, grapefruit, butter, vanilla, cloves, cream, honey, dried apricot, almond

## About this wine

The Gaja Gaia & Rey 2021 is a white wine from the Langhe DOC in Piedmont, Italy, produced by the esteemed Gaja winery. It is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The wine's creation is a testament to Gaja's pioneering spirit, being among the first white wines from Piedmont to be aged in barriques. The bottling is named in honor of Angelo Gaja's daughter, Gaia, and his grandmother, Clotilde Rey. The grapes are sourced from vineyards planted in 1979 in Treiso and Serralunga d'Alba, situated at elevations around 460 meters. The 2021 vintage experienced a dry and cool growing season in Piedmont, contributing to wines with significant volume and richness.

## Interesting facts

- Named after Angelo Gaja's daughter and grandmother.
- One of Piedmont's first barrique-aged Chardonnays.
- Vineyards planted in 1979 at high elevations.
- Known for its 'red wine structure'.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fattier proteins, while its complex structure complements dishes with more substantial textures. Notes of oak and fruit can echo or contrast with herbs and citrus in the food.

## Wine making process

The Gaja Gaia & Rey 2021 is produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The winemaking process involves fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine then undergoes aging for 6 to 8 months in oak barrels, with approximately 10% new oak usage. Following barrel aging, it rests for an additional 6 months in bottle before its release. The vineyards are located in Treiso and Serralunga d'Alba at elevations of around 460 meters.