Gaja Costa Russi Barbaresco

This red wine has an elegant aroma with a clear expression of fruits. The palate leads with pronounced citrusy notes, notably orange pith blood orange. Violet notes are also at the forefront, with plum, a slight hint of liquorice, and dried rose petals following. Among the three single vineyards, Costa Russi seams the least structured, yet it impresses with its harmony and class.

The pioneering Gaja family has been making wines for five generations, starting in Piedmont in 1859. Their name is synonymous with innovation and each generation has brought something new.

It was 2nd generation Giovanni who acquired the three Barbaresco crus Sori San Lorenzo, Sori Tildin and Costa Russi, which are widely regarded as three of the best single vineyard Barbarescos.

The 2016 vintage is one of the best of the 21st century for the wines of Piedmont, and that is certainly reflected in these single vineyard Barbarescos.

Costa Russi is just over 4 hectares and sits just below Sori Tildin at an altitude of 230 metres, facing south-west. The soil consists of clayey-calcareous marls and the vines are 65 years old on average. The wine undergoes around three weeks fermentation and maceration prior to 24 months ageing in oak.