The 2017 Gaja Sauvignon Alteni di Brassica is a Sauvignon Blanc from Piedmont, Italy, produced by the acclaimed winery Gaja. This white wine, which comes sealed with a cork and contains 13.5% alcohol, is notable for its bright and balanced character.
According to Jeb Dunnuck, the 2017 Langhe Alteni di Brassica is a "mineral-driven, bright, and juicy expression of Sauvignon Blanc" that presents "terrific notes of crushed citrus, green herbs, lime, and subtle hints of tart pineapple." Dunnuck awards the wine a score of 90 points, highlighting its bright acidity, medium body, and excellent balance. He suggests that the wine is excellent for immediate consumption but also possesses the potential to age gracefully for 5-7 years.
Vinous reviewer Antonio Galloni rates the wine slightly higher, with a score of 93 points. Galloni describes the 2017 Alteni di Brassica as "bright, crisp and also wonderfully nuanced, with lovely textural depth." He notes the presence of green orchard fruit, mint, sage, and white flowers, stating that the wine is "varietally expressive" without being overly vegetal or rich. Galloni praises the wine for its terrific balance and classy personality, recommending a drinking window from 2020 to 2027.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with Monica Larner as the reviewer, gives the wine 91 points. Larner emphasizes the "tonic freshness, zesty citrus, white peach, and crushed oyster shell" aromas of the 2017 Langhe Alteni di Brassica. She notes that the grapes were harvested early in the hot growing season to preserve the freshness and crunchiness of the fruit. Gaia Gaja, co-owner of the winery, mentioned that the fruit was highly concentrated, with clusters of "bonsai grapes," which contributed to the wine's concentrated aromas and surprisingly fresh acidity.
In summary, the 2017 Gaja Sauvignon Alteni di Brassica is a well-regarded Sauvignon Blanc that balances freshness and concentration. With scores ranging from 90 to 93 points, it is celebrated for its bright acidity, nuanced flavors, and potential for aging, making it a noteworthy addition to any wine enthusiast's collection.