Viniou Reviews
This 1996 Sori San Lorenzo by Gaja, hailing from the Nebbiolo d’Alba appellation in Piedmont, is an exceptional testament to the Nebbiolo grape’s potential when handled by one of the region’s most iconic producers. Sourced from a single vineyard, Sori San Lorenzo is renowned for its meticulous vinification process. The Nebbiolo grapes are hand-harvested and vinified with an attention to both tradition and innovation, with maceration and ageing carried out in oak to enhance the wine’s complexity and longevity. The 1996 vintage is a classic year, marked by a cool and balanced climate, enabling optimal ripening and delivering wines of structure, elegance, and remarkable ageing capacity. In the glass, one can expect deep garnet hues with spicy, floral aromas, hints of tar, roses, dark cherry, truffle and leather, underpinned by fine, sculpted tannins.
Piedmont, located in north-western Italy, is synonymous with great Nebbiolo. The region is shaped by the Alps, benefiting from a mixture of continental and Alpine influences: cold winters, warm summers, and notable diurnal temperature swings. The soils of the Sori San Lorenzo vineyard are rich in calcareous marl, contributing to the unique minerality and finesse of the wine. The area’s viticultural heritage dates back over a thousand years, lending gravitas and expertise to wines produced here. Piedmont stands out for its complexity, elegance and depth, with Gaja as one of its most pioneering ambassadors.
Pairing this Nebbiolo with food is a journey into Piedmontese gastronomy. The wine’s structure and aromatic complexity make it an outstanding match for slow-cooked beef, braised veal shank, or lamb with rosemary. Traditional dishes such as tajarin with white truffle, wild mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses like Castelmagno will beautifully echo the wine’s earthy undertones and firm tannic backbone.
To appreciate all the nuances of this beautifully aged Nebbiolo, it is best served at 17-19°C. Decant for at least one hour prior to serving, and present it in large-bowled glasses to let the bouquet fully express itself. This is a wine ready to reward patience and contemplation.
