TWO MINUTES WITH | Gaia Gaja
Gaia Gaja is the fifth generation of her family to oversee the renowned Piedmont producer, whose interests now extend to Tuscany and Sicily. The eldest of three, she is responsible for running the day-to-day activity of the estate, alongside her sister Rossana and brother Giovanni
What is your ‘last supper’ wine?
So difficult… but one thing’s for sure – I would need at least a double magnum! And it would have to be a Barbaresco, a wine that speaks to me about the passion and commitment of my family, the perfume of my village, the shapes and slopes of our hills – all the things that are dearest to me. As for a vintage, I would probably go for 1978 – the year I was conceived and a vintage that my father and my grandfather made together.
Where is your dream vineyard?
There are several places that appeal to me for their dreamlike, magical quality – places that are slightly mysterious and carry a strong contrast. Like Etna, a land of snow and fire, altitude and sun (though we have started a collaboration there, Idda, with local producer Alberto Graci, focusing on Carricante). So if I need to choose a new spot, maybe Cinque Terre, on the steep coasts of Liguria overlooking the sea – an area of extraordinary beauty. Or Salta in Argentina, another charismatic place – remote, desert-like and at a very high altitude, with very rare climatic conditions. Or maybe Lanzarote, an island with a lunar appearance, ancient vines growing inside holes dug into the ground to protect them from the strong winds. There’s so many places I could choose…
Who is your wine hero?
My father, Angelo. I have an immense respect for his vision and the deep faith, determination and discipline he had in defending his belief in the greatness of Nebbiolo and Barbaresco. My admiration is renewed every day.
What’s the next big thing in wine?
Vibrant white wines, complex, fresh and tense, from varieties such as Carricante, Fiano di Avellino and Verdicchio.
What’s your favourite wine memory?
A dinner at my house with a couple of dear friends who live in different continents and who I don’t see so often. I welcomed them with a magnum of 1979 Krug (my birth year) that I was waiting for the right opportunity to open, and a plate of very thinly sliced San Daniele prosciutto. Then I remember a wonderful 2013 Soldera Case Basse, and I was very happy to drink Sorì San Lorenzo 1967 which my friend brought, as sadly I don’t have any more stock of this at the winery. From there, the whole night passed in a blur – between cooking and plating together, chatting and laughing with stories and confessions, all the time savouring different wines. We are social animals, and wine is part of that social element, bringing us together – and being together brings happiness. I love leaving my frenetic work schedule behind, and entering the world of pure pleasure. The feeling of joy and fulfilment from that evening is still with me.
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IN
THE
VINEYARD
Klein Constantia, South Africa