"Hailing from Serralunga d'Alba, the 2018 Gaja Barolo Sperss is unmistakable. The bouquet is firm and distinct, with aromas of black fruit, pencil shavings, iron, and red brick. But there is also a fragrant interlude of wild cherry, wild berries, and orange peel. The Barolo Conteisa is riper and silkier in this vintage, but the Sperss is more muscular, powerful, and structured. It promises longer aging potential and development in the bottle. 2025–2055” (Wine Advocate 2023)
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Eye
A deep, brilliant purple color
Nose
Deep and mineral, typical of the terroir, it offers powerful aromas of dark fruit, pencil lead, and cedar bark, accented by subtle notes of wild berries
Palate
Full-bodied, dense, and complex, the tannins are well-integrated yet still firm, with a flawless structure and exemplary harmony; a wonderful tension lingers all the way through to an endless, silky finish
Serve
At 16-18°C
Open
2 hours before
Drink from
2025
Drink before
2055
Food and wine pairings
Serve with stuffed quail, truffle-flavored Brie, roast duck...
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2023 guide) 97/100 (Extraordinary wine)
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
Hailing from Serralunga d'Alba, the 2018 Gaja Barolo Sperss is unmistakable. The bouquet is firm and distinct, with aromas of black fruit, pencil shavings, iron, and red brick. But there is also a fragrant interlude of wild cherry, wild berries, and orange peel. The Barolo Conteisa is riper and silkier in this vintage, but the Sperss is more muscular, powerful, and structured. It promises longer aging potential and further development in the bottle. 2025–2055
Wine Spectator
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Wine Spectator)
Wine Enthusiast
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Enthusiast)
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (2023 guide) 17,5/20
About the wine:
Pale ruby. A more intense raspberry aroma than in previous Barbarescos, with hints of cinnamon and impressive depth. Smooth and pure on the palate, with a rich, enveloping tannic structure. Beautiful length and freshness. Elegance is the hallmark. 2002–2036
Vinous
Wine rated (2021 guide) 97/100
Rated: Recommended
About the wine:
The 2018 Barolo is a magnificent wine. The aromas alone are captivating. Once again, this is one of the things that makes Barolo Sperss such an appealing wine. Sweet black cherry, lavender, spices, and leather lend this exceptionally translucent Barolo an impressive depth. The powerful tannins of Serralunga are present, but they are beautifully integrated into the wine’s structure.
James Suckling
Wine rated (2022 guide) 95/100
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended
About the wine:
Plenty of aromas of rose petals, stems, and sandalwood, as well as plums and berries. Medium-bodied, with a tight palate and very fine tannins that carry through the entire length of the wine. Linear and concentrated. Notes of nutmeg and pie crust enhance the palate. It is drinkable now but needs three or four years to open up. Try it after 2026.
Jeb Dunnuck
Rated: Recommended
Falstaff
Wine rated (2022 guide) 97/100
About the wine:
A brilliant, vibrant ruby red. The nose is dense and concentrated, with notes of ripe fruit, plum, rose petals, and truffle, along with subtle smoky hints. The palate is impressive, featuring tight, well-integrated tannins with a firm bite—reflecting the characteristic structure of Serralunga wines—and earthy notes on the finish.
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