"Hailing from Serralunga d'Alba, the 2018 Gaja Barolo Sperss is unmistakable—it cannot be confused with any other Barolo. The bouquet is firm and well-defined, 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 Advocate 2023)
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Eye
A deep, brilliant purple color
Nose
Deep and mineral, typical of the terroir, it develops powerful aromas of black fruits, pencil lead, and cedar bark, accented by subtle notes of wild berries.
Palate
Full-bodied, dense, and complex, with tannins that have integrated but remain firm; a flawless structure with exemplary harmony, and wonderful tension that lingers all the way through a silky, endless finish
Serve
At 16-18°C
Open
2 hours before
Drink from
2025
Drink before
2055
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy it with stuffed quail, truffle-infused 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—it cannot be confused with any other Barolo. The bouquet is firm and well-defined, 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. The nose offers a richer raspberry aroma than that of previous Barbarescos, with notes of cinnamon and impressive depth. On the palate, it is supple and pure, with raspberry flavors and a thick layer of enveloping tannins. Beautiful length and freshness. Elegance is the hallmark. 20024–2036
Vinous
Wine rated (2021 guide) 97/100
Rated: Recommended
About the wine:
The 2018 Barolo is a magnificent wine. The aromas alone are fascinating. 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’s 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 color. The nose is dense and compact, with notes of ripe fruit, plum, rose petals, and truffle, along with subtle smoky hints. The palate is impressive, with plenty of tight, well-integrated tannins, a lively bite, the firm character typical of Serralunga wines, and earthy notes on the finish.
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