Gaja Sperss Barolo 1988

Gaja Sperss Barolo 1988

Gaja Sperss Barolo 1988 marks Angelo Gaja's return to producing Barolo with his own grapes after almost 30 years of absence. In 1988, the family purchased the legendary vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba and named it ‘Sperss’, a word meaning ‘nostalgia’, in homage to Angelo's father's childhood memories. 1988 is considered a ‘majestic’ year in Barolo: elegant structure, great balance and strong character, with perfectly ripe tannins and above-average ageing potential. Sperss 1988 is seen as a classic Barolo, brilliant and concentrated, highly praised by international critics.

Vinification: Comes from a single amphitheatre-shaped vineyard, with very compact clay-limestone soils and south/south-west exposure, at an altitude of about 370 metres. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo a long maceration and fermentation process lasting about three weeks. This is followed by 12 months in French oak barrels and a further 12 months in large oak casks, a typical Gaja combination that combines depth and precision without the wood dominating the wine.

Tasting notes: Deep ruby with brick-red reflections. Intense and refined nose, with layers of blackberry, raspberry and plum, violets, white truffle, notes of smoke, tar, nutmeg, cigar box and fine toast. Full and opulent on the palate, but very lively: high acidity, firm but well-integrated tannins, complex and concentrated texture and a long, flavourful and deeply aromatic finish.

Grape varieties: 100% Nebbiolo