Gaja Sito Moresco 2022

Sito Moresco is the Langhe red from Gaja, the celebrated Piedmont estate, and blends Nebbiolo, Barbera and Merlot grown in the hills around Barbaresco. The grapes are picked by hand at ripeness, then destemmed and gently pressed. Piedmont's calcareous marl soils, the pale, compact clay-limestone of the Langhe hills, drain well and retain enough moisture to ripen Nebbiolo slowly, while the region's cool autumn nights and wide diurnal range preserve acidity and aromatic detail. Each variety ferments separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel, and after malolactic fermentation, which converts sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid, the blend is assembled and rested at least twelve months in wood, where slow oxygen exchange knits the tannins and adds structure. Nebbiolo lends the frame and perfume, Barbera the freshness and Merlot the flesh. It shows a bright ruby garnet, with red cherry, red berries and plum on the nose over an earthy, faintly floral background with a touch of leather. The palate is elegant and structured, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a savoury, persistent finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted, with red meats, game or aged cheese.