A deep, refined, full-bodied wine made from the grapes of 70-year-old vines growing in clay and limestone soil in the separate Costa Russi vineyard in the Barbaresco area. Fermentation and maceration lasted about 3 weeks. The wine was aged for 24 months in oak barrels.
The wine is perfectly balanced at this youthful stage: medium-bodied with smooth, supple tannins that give it shape and definition, along with fairly vibrant acidity. On the nose, the wine reveals notes of nutmeg, white pepper, eucalyptus, flint, strawberries, blackberries and iodine.
A wine with long ageing potential.
Serve at 16–18 °C with game, beef roasts or stews with truffles.
Of the three single-vineyard Barbarescos sampled, this bottle was poured first, denoting a lighter and more finessed style. The Gaja 2021 Barbaresco Costa Russi opens to roses, violets and tart berry fruit. "The 2021 vintage shows the distinct character of each site," says Giovanni Gaja. In comparison, Sorì Tildìn has a more pronounced mineral vein because of magnesium-rich soils, and Sorì San Lorenzo has more structure. This wine focuses on those pretty aromas, and it shows depth and balance. The fine-grain tannins give the Costa Russi a charming and more accessible approach.
Expressive and elegant, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose and mineral aromas and flavors. Deftly balanced at this youthful stage, with refined tannins and vibrant acidity, this lingers with a complex mix of fruit and mineral elements, with a hint of eucalyptus. Best from 2027 through 2045. 125 cases imported.
This is so aromatic, with nutmeg, white pepper, matchstick, flint, bramble berries, blackberries and iodine. Medium-bodied with sleek and flexed tannins that give form and raciness. Spicy at the end. Shows excellent potential. Give this three to four years to open.
The Gaja family settled in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy in the mid-17th century. They have been producing wine in the Barbaresco area since 1859. Four generations of dedicated work and a noble pursuit of making top-quality wines have made the Gaja name synonymous with Italian winemaking excellence worldwide. Today, the fifth generation – Gaia, Giovanni, and Rossana Gaja – continues the family traditions, leading this legendary winery.
Currently, Gaja in Piedmont produces both classic expressions of the ‘Nebbiolo’ grape – Barbarescos and Barolos – and innovative “Langhe DOC” red and white wines from international grape varieties. The family also owns two estates in Tuscany: “Ca’Marcanda” in Bolgheri, famous for its “Super Tuscan” wines, and “Pieve S. Restituta” in the Montalcino area, producing “Brunello di Montalcino” wines. Additionally, a joint project with Alberto Graci in Sicily, at the foot of Mount Etna, testifies to the family’s constant pursuit of innovation and quality.
The Gaja family firmly believes that the true spirit and quality of wine are born in the vineyards themselves. Therefore, the greatest attention is paid to vineyard care: searching for climate change-resistant clones, limiting yields, growing other crops between vineyard rows to enrich the soil and help retain moisture and protect the harvest from heat. The highest quality standards are applied to all farms: grapes are grown only in family-owned vineyards, adhering to ecological and sustainability principles, with particular attention to soil quality and biodiversity.
Wine Style
Gaja wines are characterized by elegance, complexity, and perfectly reflect the terroir of their origin regions.
Prestigious Vineyards
The Gaja family owns prestigious vineyards in the Piedmont and Tuscany regions:
Aging and Consumption Period
Gaja wines are characterized by an excellent balance, allowing them to be enjoyed both young and mature. They have immense potential to age and develop over time, revealing new nuances of their character.
