Gaja has made wine in Barbaresco since 1859, when Giovanni Gaja founded it, and the family first served its wine at a tavern in the village. Angelo Gaja joined in 1961 after studying winemaking in Alba and Montpellier, and he changed how Nebbiolo was made here. He began bottling single vineyards with Sorì San Lorenzo in 1967, Sorì Tildìn in 1970 and Costa Russi in 1978, and he brought French barriques into the cellar.
In 1978 he also planted Cabernet Sauvignon on a prime Nebbiolo site. The wine is called Darmagi, Piedmontese for "what a shame", said to be his father's verdict on it.
From 1988 the family went back to Barolo with the Sperss vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba, then bought Pieve Santa Restituta in Montalcino and Ca' Marcanda in Bolgheri. Angelo's children Gaia, Rossana and Giovanni run the company now.
Not tasted yet
I haven't reviewed a wine from Gaja yet. They're on my Top 100 list, which is built from awards.