About this wine
Vinification
After harvest, the grapes ferment on their skins in stainless-steel tanks at a controlled 25–27 °C for 10–15 days.
Ageing
The wine matures in barriques for 6–8 months, followed by 12 months in oak barrels.
Tasting profile
Powerful and concentrated, with rich aromas, soft, velvety tannins, an elegant structure and excellent balance. It becomes particularly harmonious with time.
Vintage notes
The 2018 winter in Piedmont was long, cold and snowy, followed by severe spring frosts. Heavy rain in May and June brought relief after the severe droughts of previous years, although some areas suffered hail and disease pressure was a major challenge. Overall, warm days and cool nights provided favourable conditions during harvest.
Label / history
Angelo Gaja began growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Piedmont in 1978, to the dismay of his father, Giovanni Gaja. On seeing the plantings, Giovanni exclaimed “Darmagi!”, meaning “What a pity!” in Piedmontese dialect. The choice was influenced by Cabernet Sauvignon’s strong resistance to diseases and, in particular, phylloxera.
