Costa Russi (2017)

About this wine

The 2017 Gaja Costa Russi Barbaresco opens with generous floral aromas of rose and violet, complemented by notes of blood orange, red berries, licorice, and turmeric. On the palate, it offers fleshy flavors of mulberry, red currant, and black cherry, balanced by soft, round tannins and good acidity. This vintage is noted for its inviting and generous character, making it the most approachable of Gaja's three single-vineyard Barbarescos. The Costa Russi vineyard, located in Barbaresco at an altitude of 230 meters, features clayey-calcareous marl soils that contribute to the wine's complexity. The 2017 vintage was marked by a dry and mild winter and spring, leading to an early harvest and a 40% decrease in production, resulting in a concentrated and high-quality wine.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 2017 Gaja Costa Russi Barbaresco, is a historic variety from Italy's Piedmont region, first documented in the 13th century. Its name, derived from 'nebbia' meaning 'fog,' reflects the misty conditions during its late October harvest. Nebbiolo is known for its high acidity and tannins, requiring careful cultivation and aging to balance these characteristics. In Barbaresco, the grape benefits from the region's calcareous marl soils and slightly warmer climate compared to neighboring Barolo, resulting in wines that are more approachable in their youth. The Gaja family, particularly Angelo Gaja, has been instrumental in elevating Barbaresco's global reputation by implementing innovative winemaking techniques and focusing on single-vineyard expressions like Costa Russi.

Quick facts

• 🌞 The name 'Costa Russi' combines 'costa,' meaning the side of a hill facing the sun, and 'Russi,' the nickname of the vineyard's previous owner.
• 🌱 In 2017, Gaja replanted about half of the old vines in the Costa Russi vineyard, resulting in one of the smallest production volumes for this wine.
• 🍒 The 2017 vintage of Costa Russi is noted for its warmer and softer character compared to Gaja's other single-vineyard Barbaresco wines, offering richer texture and slightly sweeter tones.
• 🍷 Gaja's Costa Russi was first produced as a single-vineyard wine in 1978, showcasing the unique terroir of the Barbaresco region.
• ⚖️ The 2017 Costa Russi has been praised for its balance, fine tannins, and bright acidity, reflecting Gaja's commitment to quality even in challenging vintages.

Palate profile

Producer

Gaja, established in 1859 by Giovanni Gaja in Barbaresco, Italy, has been a pioneering force in winemaking for over 160 years. The Gaja family, originally from Spain, settled in Piedmont in the 17th century and began producing wines that would later gain international acclaim. Angelo Gaja, the founder's great-grandson, revolutionized Italian viticulture by introducing practices such as single-vineyard bottlings, the use of barriques, and the cultivation of international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Under his leadership, Gaja expanded beyond Piedmont, acquiring estates in Tuscany's Montalcino and Bolgheri regions, further solidifying its reputation for excellence. Today, the winery remains family-owned, with Angelo's children continuing the legacy of innovation and quality.