2023 Gaja Alteni Di Brassica Sauvignon Blanc Langhe

The name originates from Alteni, small stone walls that once surrounded the plots of land, and the word Brassica, yellow flowers growing in the vineyards in spring.

VINEYARDS

The first vineyard of Alteni Di Brassica was planted in 1983 in the heart of Barbaresco (Masuè). The other vineyards are in Serralunga d’Alba (Vivaldo 3 and Colombaio) and in Trezzo (Serra Pini, Boscasso, and Cascina Langa).

VINTAGE NOTES

We seriously feared of reliving the drought of 2022 as from October through April we suffered a severe scarcity of water. In March the Tanaro river was dry and the hills barren. From May 1st the character of the vintage suddenly changed completely. Abundant rainfall and temperatures lower than usual in May and June led to vines greater productivity and, as a result, extended the period for full grapes maturation. July and August were hot and dry, on the 7th of July a violent hailstorm affected the region, fortunately hitting us only marginally. The weather in August was erratic, with drops in temperature, extreme heat and then storms. Despite the grape bunches being larger than usual due to the abundant rains, the summer heat caused greater concentration which balanced the proportion between the skins and the pulp. Harvest of the white grapes began on August 21st. Grapes showed high levels of malic acid and moderate sugar levels, resulting in wines with exceptional freshness and complex aromas.

WINEMAKING

Fermentation and ageing in oak for 12-18 months.

TASTING NOTES

Very fresh, with notes of lemon, lime, and lychee, accompanied by fresh vegetal aromas. A rich bouquet of aromatic herbs ranges from thyme to mint, from lemonscented sage to rosemary. It presents aromas of pear jam, fruit mustard, and a spicy hint of kumquat. On the palate, it is very fresh and lively, with a light final reduction and a lovely savoriness. Its taut acidic structure contributes to defining the character of the wine, all focused on savoriness.