Barolo “Conteisa” DOCG 2021

Angelo Gaja | Piedmont
Az. Agr. Gaja | Via Torino 36 | IT 12050 Barbaresco

05232421 · 0,75 l · 652,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping6 units available
Limitation of 2 articles per customer

For over a hundred years, two communities fought over a hill. La Morra to the north, Barolo to the south – both wanted to own Cerequio, the amphitheatre of limestone marl and blue clay that the locals call the "Riviera of the Langhe". It was not until 1275 that an agreement settled the dispute; the document is still in the archives of La Morra. "Conteisa" – piedmontese for dispute – is the memory of this battle over a piece of land that was apparently already considered precious in the Middle Ages. When Angelo Gaja acquired six hectares in Cerequio in 1995, he returned to Barolo after decades of absence. The first vintage in 1996 was still labelled Langhe Nebbiolo – gaja's conscious decision against the rigid DOCG rules. Today, back in the Barolo aristocracy, Conteisa represents the elegant side of the house: feminine, floral, with silky finesse, where its brother Sperss from Serralunga trumps with masculine power. Sixty-year-old vines are rooted here at an altitude of 380 metres in a south-facing location. After being harvested by hand, the wine rests for twelve months in barriques and a further twelve in large oak barrels.

The 2021 shows a light ruby garnet colour with a fine shimmer. The nose has a restrained aroma of sour cherry and redcurrant, followed by cinchona bark and a hint of cinnamon. Taut and sinewy on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, the fruit still restrained, the final firm and gripping. A Barolo that demands time – and will reward you handsomely. 750 years later, you understand what was worth fighting for. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark and complex Barolo with fresh violets, black cherries, pomegranates, blood oranges, wax and graphite on the nose. Full-bodied, it shows density and concentration, with refined tannins, flowing fruit and refreshing acidity. Toasty, super-refined finish." James Suckling

"Pure, fresh and defined, this red features cherry, raspberry, rose, peony, mineral and sweet spice notes, plus hints of wild herb aromas and flavors. Harmonious and enticing while building in intensity to the long finish, which echoes the fruit and adds savory accents." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Barolo Conteisa marries power with elegance. Readers will find an especially heady, explosive Conteisa. Time in the glass brings out classic Cerequio red-toned fruit, spice and blood orange notes that effortlessly fill out a surprisingly large-scaled frame. Powerful, incisive tannins demand cellaring. This is an especially rich Conteisa." Vinous

"A little shy initially, the Gaja 2021 Barolo Conteisa will certainly require more time in bottle to continue its slow evolution. The bouquet is powerful and rich, showing beautiful Nebbiolo layering with wild berry, forest floor, blue flower and sambuca. In terms of mouthfeel, it delivers an impressive level of power with firm tannins that are almost glossy in texture thanks to their finely polished nature." Wine Advocate