Angelo Gaja

Angelo Gaja, born in 1940, is a leading figure in Italian oenology, credited with revolutionizing wine production in Piedmont and raising the international profile of Italian wines.

Great-grandson of Giovanni Gaja, founder of the family winery in 1859, Angelo joined the company in 1961 at the age of 21. He studied oenology at the Alba Institute of Oenology and the University of Montpellier in France, and holds a degree in economics from the University of Turin.

As soon as he arrived, Angelo Gaja introduced innovative practices in the vinification of Nebbiolo, the region's emblematic grape variety. He pioneered the use of malolactic fermentation, the introduction of French barrels for aging and the adoption of thermo-controlled fermentation techniques. He also initiated the production of single vineyard wines, such as Sorí San Lorenzo in 1967, Sorí Tildin in 1970 and Costa Russi in 1978.

In 1978, he planted Cabernet Sauvignon in the Darmagi vineyard in Barbaresco, followed by Chardonnay in the Gaia & Rey vineyard in 1979 and Sauvignon Blanc in the Alteni di Brassica vineyard in 1983. These initiatives demonstrated his commitment to producing world-class Italian wines.

Gaja's reputation has grown over the years thanks to its commitment to quality. In 1985, Wine Spectator magazine called Gaja's Barbarescos "the finest wines ever produced in Italy". He was also honored with the Wine Spectator Distinguished Service Award in 1997 and named "Man of the Year" by Decanter in 1998.

Under his leadership, Gaja acquired properties in other Italian wine regions, including Pieve Santa Restituta in Montalcino in 1994 and Ca'Marcanda in Bolgheri in 1996, broadening its influence and production.

After more than 70 years, Angelo Gaja gradually handed over the management of the company to his children, Gaia, Rossana and Giovanni, thus ensuring the continuity of the family heritage while maintaining the commitment to innovation and excellence.