GAJA SPERSS 2015
Gaja
In 1859 Giovanni Gaja began purchasing a series of superior vineyards in the Barbaresco zone of Piedmont, Italy that would soon produce what some critics call, "Italy's finest wine." Currently, GAJA's holdings total 250 acres of land in Piedmont, located in the Barbaresco and Barolo DOCGs, the majority of which is planted to the Nebbiolo grape. In the late 1960s, Angelo Gaja, Giovanni's great-grandson, took over the winery operations. Having trained in Oenology in at Montpellier, he brought back to his family's estate a passion for French wine, vinification methods and grape varietals, introducing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Neither a modernist, nor traditionalist, GAJA walks a fine line between the two, fermenting wines for up to thirty days and ageing them for one year in French oak barriques, a third of which is new. The aging process is completed in the traditional Slavonian oak botti (50-60 hL). In the 1990s, the estate grew again, this time with the acquisition of vineyards outside of Piedmont, in the Montalcino and Bolgheri regions of Tuscany. AngeloÕs daughters Gaia and Rossana now continue the family tradition of running the estate.
SKU
GABA201511 UCAU
$495.00
Per item
Price:
Having purchased grapes from Serralunga for the Gaja Barolo until 1961, this ceased with the decision to produce only from estate-owned vineyards. In 1988, Gaja bought the vineyard. The name is Piedmontese for "nostalgia", indicating a longing to return to the making of Barolo after several years of absence.
Its grape variety distribution is c. 100% Nebbiolo, with 12 months in barriques followed by 12 months in large oak casks. Starting with the 1996 vintage it was classified Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, but with the 2013 vintage has returned to Barolo DOCG status.
Having purchased grapes from Serralunga for the Gaja Barolo until 1961, this ceased with the decision to produce only from estate-owned vineyards. In 1988, Gaja bought the vineyard. The name is Piedmontese for "nostalgia", indicating a longing to return to the making of Barolo after several years of absence.
Its grape variety distribution is c. 100% Nebbiolo, with 12 months in barriques followed by 12 months in large oak casks. Starting with the 1996 vintage it was classified Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, but with the 2013 vintage has returned to Barolo DOCG status.
Scores & Reviews
100 / 100
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Barolo Sperss is another smoking good 2015 that shows the sunny warmth of the vintage in its massive bouquet of blackcurrants, kirsch liqueur, red plums, Asian spices, violets, and flowery incense. It reminds me of the incredible 1997, and Barolo doesn't get any more sexy or opulent. This brilliant, full-bodied wine has ripe, velvety tannins, beautiful depth of fruit, and a great finish. It needs a solid hour in a decanter if drinking any time soon and will benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age. It should drink brilliantly over the following 25-30 years.
98 / 100
Antonio Galloni
The 2015 Barolo Sperss shows all of the darkness and muscle that are so typical of Serralunga. Black cherry, plum, licorice, incense, gravel, cured meats and scorched earth infuse this potent, backward wine with tremendous character. My impression is that the extraction and oak are all a bit more pushed here relative to the other wines in the range.
18 / 20
Jancis Robinson
Serralunga d’Alba. From the Marenca and Rivette Crus. Mid ruby. Vigour and great depth on the nose with balsamic cherry fruit, minerally notes and hints of garden herbs. Very discreetly supported by oak. Succulent fruit reined in by layers and layers of polished tannins creating tactile fireworks on the finish.