GAJA BAROLO SPRESS 2018

Gaja Sperss 2018
Langhe (Serralunga d’Alba), Piedmont, Italy

Produced by the legendary Gaja, Sperss is a powerful and cerebral expression of Nebbiolo sourced from prime vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba. First released in 1988, it represents Gaja’s vision of marrying Barolo structure with precision, depth, and longevity.

Style

A serious, structured, and age-worthy Nebbiolo with classic Barolo intensity. Powerful yet refined, combining firm tannins, vivid acidity, and layered aromatics with exceptional balance and finesse.

Tasting Notes

Appearance:
Deep garnet with brick-red highlights at the rim.

Nose:
Complex and evolving. Aromas of rose petal, dried cherry, wild strawberry, and raspberry are layered with notes of tar, licorice, truffle, iron, tobacco leaf, and subtle spice.

Palate:
Full-bodied and tightly structured. Concentrated flavours of sour cherry, red plum, and cranberry are framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Savoury notes of leather, earth, anise, and mineral undertones add depth and complexity.

Finish:
Long, powerful, and precise, with lingering red fruit, spice, and a distinctly mineral, savoury edge.

Vintage Character – 2018

A classic, balanced vintage in Piedmont. Cooler conditions produced wines with aromatic precision, freshness, and refined structure rather than sheer power, making 2018 particularly expressive and well-suited to long ageing.

Drinking Window

2026–2048
Best enjoyed after extended decanting when young, with exceptional potential for long-term cellaring.

Food Pairing

Excellent with:

• Braised beef or veal

• Osso buco

• Wild game

• Truffle dishes

• Aged hard cheeses

If you’d like, I can also prepare a short wine-list version, adapt this for retail shelf notes, or align it with other top-tier Piedmont wines in your collection at The Tasting Room.