Description
Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Classification: Barbaresco DOP / DOCG
Vineyard: Costa Russi single vineyard
Soil: Clayey-calcareous marl
Ageing: Approximately 24 months in oak
The Costa Russi vineyard is located in the municipality of Barbaresco in Piedmont, below the Sorì Tildìn vineyard.
The south-west-facing site consists of clayey-calcareous marl soils and sits at an average altitude of approximately 230 metres. The vineyard’s position and mature vines contribute to the wine’s balance, aromatic complexity and long ageing potential.
WINEMAKING AND AGEING
The grapes undergo fermentation and maceration for approximately three weeks. The wine is then aged in oak for approximately 24 months before bottling.
FOOD PAIRING
Gaja Costa Russi Barbaresco pairs beautifully with:
- Truffle dishes
- Roasted or grilled beef
- Braised beef and slow-cooked meat
- Venison and other game
- Roasted wild poultry
- Lamb with herbs
- Mushroom and truffle pasta
- Risotto with porcini mushrooms
- Mature hard cheeses
- Piedmontese and northern Italian cuisine
SERVING SUGGESTION
Serve at 16–18°C.
Decant for approximately one to two hours before serving, especially when enjoying the wine young. Use Zalto Burgundy wine glasses to allow the Nebbiolo aromas to develop fully.
AGEING POTENTIAL
A serious collector’s wine with excellent ageing potential. The 2023 vintage can be enjoyed after careful decanting, but should develop further complexity from approximately 2027 and continue evolving well into the 2040s.
COLLECTOR AND GIFTING POSITIONING
Gaja Costa Russi 2023 is a distinguished gift for:
- Fine-wine collectors
- Barbaresco and Nebbiolo enthusiasts
- Milestone birthdays
- Anniversary celebrations
- Corporate and executive gifting
- Fine-dining hosts
- Italian wine lovers
- Cellar-building projects
- Special occasion dinners
RECOGNITION
97 points – Jeb Dunnuck
97 points – James Suckling