Sperss is arguably Gaja’s most famous wine from Barolo. All of the fruit comes from Serralunga d’Alba, predominately the Marenca MGA with a little bit of Rivette. The 1996 Sperss was somewhat controversial as it became the first vintage (in a string of 17 vintages) that Gaja decided to blend in a small amount of co-fermented Barbera. This move required them to label the wine “Langhe Nebbiolo” instead of Barolo.
Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service, enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1996 pours a deep garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with faint staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with notes of Morello cherry, tar, truffle, licorice, dried flowers, gravelly earth and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. This came across remarkably young. Drink now with patience through 2066.
Sperss is arguably Gaja’s most famous wine from Barolo. All of the fruit comes from Serralunga d’Alba, predominately the Marenca MGA with a little bit of Rivette. The 1996 Sperss was somewhat controversial as it became the first vintage (in a string of 17 vintages) that Gaja decided to blend in a small amount of co-fermented Barbera. This move required them to label the wine “Langhe Nebbiolo” instead of Barolo.
Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service, enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1996 pours a deep garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with faint staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with notes of Morello cherry, tar, truffle, licorice, dried flowers, gravelly earth and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. This came across remarkably young. Drink now with patience through 2066.
Aug 23rd, 2026
Superb nose, palate and finish. Still young. Wonderful sous bois and great complexity
Superb nose, palate and finish. Still young. Wonderful sous bois and great complexity
Oct 9th, 2017
Close out the night in a high note. The 96 has plenty of gas in the tank. Let it decant for an hour and really hit it stride on the last few sips- crap! Still excellent with tar, dark fruit, smoked meat- I know crazy but a hint of that - light acidity, well balanced. ... dear diary I wish I had more bottles... so does my wife. Cheers!
Close out the night in a high note. The 96 has plenty of gas in the tank. Let it decant for an hour and really hit it stride on the last few sips- crap! Still excellent with tar, dark fruit, smoked meat- I know crazy but a hint of that - light acidity, well balanced. ... dear diary I wish I had more bottles... so does my wife. Cheers!
Dec 16th, 2017
Monolithic, dark-fruited and lacking prettiness, detail and freshness. Hours of air did not help. Opposite of everything I like in Nebbiolo.
Monolithic, dark-fruited and lacking prettiness, detail and freshness. Hours of air did not help. Opposite of everything I like in Nebbiolo.
Nov 15th, 2017
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
