2018 Gaja Rossj Bass
2018 Gaja Rossj Bass, Piedmont, Italy
The work of mythical Italian producer Angelo Gaja, the Chardonnay-based Rossj Bass is named after Angelo’s youngest daughter, Rossana, and ranks amongst Italy’s most sought-after white wines. The addition of a small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc to this Chardonnay has created a rounded, structured wine that exudes grace and sophistication.
Chardonnay – Sauvignon Blanc is a blend which, although not often talked about, is used extensively throughout the wine world. Both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc (which originate from Burgundy and the Loire respectively) are well-traveled varieties, which have been welcomed by both Old World and New World winegrowers. While their most famous incarnations are single-variety wines, the two are often combined to produce inexpensive table wine.
Langhe is the hilly subregion east of the Tanaro river and south of Alba, in the Cuneo province of Piedmont (Piemonte). The name “Langhe” is the plural form of langa, a local word for a long, low-lying hill.
A Langhe DOC wine may be rosso, bianco or rosato (red, white or rosé), a blend or a varietal with the name of the grape variety on the label. It can be still, frizzante (semi-sparkling), novello (an early-release, youthful style for reds) or passito (made from dried grapes).
Gaja is one of the best-known wine producers in all of Italy. Originating in and still based in Barbaresco, in northwest Italy, the Gaja name remains most strongly associated with Nebbiolo-based wines, though the company now makes more wine in Tuscany than Piedmont.