Wine That Reflects the Land – Gaja
Occasionally I am allowed into the inner recesses of a leading restaurateur’s private collection, a cellar of names not shared with the public. My stock question always is: “Which of your lovely wines is your personal favorite.”
The proud owner of the cellar straightens up, smiles and almost always declares… “GAJA!”“The Four Seasons Aviara last week brought in the lovely daughter of Angelo Gaja, the “vino maestro” who has raised Gaja, of Piedmont and Tuscany Italy, to world cult status. These are halcyon days for this sought-after wine and a fixated audience heard Gaia Gaja (that is her name), declare that her wines have never been better.
Gaja is the only wine permitted for the highest DOCG Italian standard for its Barbarescos and Barolos, made from the legendary Nebbiolo grape. Madame Gaja took the audience on a historical tour of the Piedmont villages where the Gaja vineyards, 247 acres, grow their estate grapes in the Langhe area of Piedmont, including Barbaresco. This is where the flagship wine is made. We tasted the 2001 vintage containing powerful, expressive aromatics, ripe vintage and classic structure. This is the ultimate expression of Italian winemaking.
It took almost no hesitation for me to purchase a bottle of this collector’s favorite for $250.00, the most I have ever paid for a bottle of wine. Other master-crafted wines that I would heartily recommend are: Gaja Promis 2005, from the Bolgheri area and the powerful Sperss 2001 from Langhe, Piedmont appellation. This one has 94% Nebbiolo and 6% Barbera grape, also from the area.
Gaja also has vineyards in Tuscany: Montalcino where they produce a Brunello, and Bolgheri where Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah are made.
Madame Gaja asserted that she and her famous father live to innovate and create, historic Italian personality traits. “Discipline in the vineyard and control of the yields are what we strive for,” she declared.On the sensitive subject of counterfeit bottles of Gaja in the marketplace, she said that the Gaja bottles are made in a unique way to foil this growing problem. “Besides that,” she said, “if someone walked up to you and offered you a vintage Gaja Barbaresco for a hundred dollars, you know it would not be the real thing!”
Summertime Jazz and Wine Concerts Coming
Warm weather, jazz and wine. That heady combination has finally arrived and a survey of the scene shows a banner season both large and intimate. Leading off my recommendations is Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, with three shows worth attending. On Saturday July 21, enjoy Rufus and Everette Harp, followed by Norman Brown’s Summer Storm with Peabo Bryson, Marion Meadows and Jeff Lorber. Finally, on September 15 Warren Hill and Bobby Lyle come to town.
All events are on Saturdays and start at 7pm. Prices start at $45. Check www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.Thornton Winery in Temecula goes with Bobby Coldwell on Saturday July 14 at 7pm and Boney James on Sunday July 22 at 5pm. Prices start at $65.
The cliffside site of the Four Seasons Resort Aviara provides a beautiful backdrop for their Jazz series that starts off with Richard Elliot on Friday July 13 at 6pm. Euge Groove moves in on Friday July 20. Price is $55. per person. Reservations at 760-603-6800.On a more intimate level, try Friar’s Folly in San Marcos and their courtyard concert series on Sundays from 4pm to 7pm. June 25th, owner Tami Ridley has Mary Proemke and “Music in the Raw.” Saturday June 23rd, enjoy “West of Memphis” with “Honey Pie.” Check times on this one at 760-736-8035.
Jazz Sunday is a new event at Carlsbad Wine Merchants and it begins June 24th from 2 to 5pm. Lots of cool wines and soft cool Jazz. Just come by, at Faraday and College in Carlsbad.The Local Sip
Vigilucci’s Osteria in Oceanside presents its Vine to Glass dinner, Monday June 25 at 6:30pm. “Tastes of the World” is the promised lineup of superior wines. RSVP to Vigilucci’s at 760-966-1203.
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Wine Street in Carlsbad and Italian wines set the scene on Friday, June 22 at 5:30pm. Julian Contreras will guide you through this tasting sensation. More info at 760-431-8455.Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
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