Gaja Gaia & Rey Bass Langhe Bianco Chardonnay 2024

Originating from Italy in the Piedmont region, specifically within the Langhe DOC appellation, Gaja 'Gaia & Rey' Langhe 2024 represents a landmark, aristocratic, and legendary expression of Italian Chardonnay. First planted in 1979 in Treiso by Angelo Gaja, 'Gaia & Rey' was the very first cultivate Chardonnay planted in Piedmont and is named in honour of Angelo’s eldest daughter, Gaia Gaja, and his grandmother, Clotilde Rey. Sourced from high-elevation estate vineyards in Treiso and Serralunga d'Alba planted on steep limestone and clay-marl soils, the winemaking philosophy combines whole-cluster pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation, and refined maturation in French oak barriques (a mixture of new and neutral oak) for approximately 12 months followed by extended bottle aging. The result is a monumental white wine that effortlessly bridges Burgundian complexity and weight with distinct Piedmontese mineral authority.

Wine Description

The wine presents a clear, luminous deep golden yellow colour with bright greenish reflections along the rim. An expressive, highly complex bouquet opens with noble aromas of ripe Meyer lemon, yellow apple, poached pear, and white peach, interwoven with sophisticated notes of acacia honey, toasted hazelnut, crushed flint, lemon curd, and subtle vanilla spice. On the palate, it is full bodied, rich, and satiny, delivering concentrated flavours of stone fruit, orchard fruit, and saline mineral earth, all supported by a bright, mouthwatering spine of natural acidity. Framed by a luxurious, coat-the-mouth texture derived from oak maturation and a driving mid-palate structure, it concludes with an extraordinarily long, persistent finish marked by lingering citrus peel, savory toasted nuts, and a clean, chalky limestone grip. Composed of 100% Chardonnay, this 2024 release offers an optimal drinking window of 2026–2042+. Stylistically, it combines opulent texture and aromatic power with laser-like focus, high-altitude freshness, and extraordinary cellaring capability.