Gaja Barolo Dagromis 2021

Dagromis is the Gaja family's Barolo, made from Nebbiolo grown in the Langhe hills of Piedmont across sites in La Morra and Serralunga d'Alba. Nebbiolo is a late ripening grape that needs the region's long, sunny autumns to reach full ripeness, and the calcareous marl soils of Barolo give it its pale colour, high acidity and formidable tannin. The wine is aged first in barrel and then for a further period in large foudres, a two stage approach that uses the smaller barrel for a firmer structure and the large old cask for a slow, gentle oxygen exchange that softens the tannins and knits the wine together without adding heavy oak flavour. The 2021 is full bodied yet aromatic, with red cherry and dried strawberry, rose, tar and liquorice, a leathery, earthy depth and a herbal lift. The tannins are firm and fine and the acidity keeps it fresh, promising a long life in the cellar. Decant an hour ahead and serve at 17 to 18 degrees in a large glass. It suits braised beef, game and truffle dishes.