Founded in 1859, Gaja is one of Italy’s most iconic wine estates, synonymous with innovation, precision, and craftsmanship. Gaia & Rey Chardonnay—first produced in 1983—is Angelo Gaja’s pioneering white wine from Piedmont’s Langhe, named after his daughter Gaia and grandmother Clotilde Rey. It stands as one of Italy’s finest expressions of Chardonnay, rivaling the great whites of Burgundy in elegance and longevity.
Vineyard
Sourced from the historic vineyards of Treiso and Serralunga d’Alba, planted in the late 1970s and 1980s, the Gaia & Rey Chardonnay grows on limestone-rich soils that impart minerality and finesse. The wine is barrel-fermented and undergoes full malolactic fermentation, followed by 18 months of aging in French oak—resulting in texture, depth, and remarkable balance.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage in Piedmont was mild and even, with an extended ripening period producing pristine fruit of exceptional aromatic intensity and freshness. The resulting Chardonnay combines richness with tension, offering both immediate appeal and superb ageing potential.
Tasting Notes
The 2023 Gaia & Rey Chardonnay shows a luminous golden hue. Aromas of lemon curd, white peach, and acacia honey are layered with notes of toasted hazelnut, flint, and delicate oak spice. The palate is vibrant yet creamy, unfolding with citrus, almond, and mineral tones supported by fine acidity. The finish is long, elegant, and finely textured—a wine of precision and poise.
Technical Information
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Region: Langhe DOC, Piedmont, Italy
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Variety: 100% Chardonnay
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Alcohol: ~13.5%
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Maturation: 18 months in French oak (barrel-fermented, full malolactic)
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2026–2045+
A Collectible Gem
The 2023 Gaja Gaia & Rey Chardonnay is a masterpiece of Italian winemaking—a white of intensity, complexity, and finesse. Combining the richness of great Chardonnay with Piedmont’s minerality and precision, it stands as one of the world’s truly great age-worthy whites.
