Costa Russi DOP — 2021
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Introduction
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WINERY Located in Piedmont in northwestern Italy, the GAJA winery is widely considered to be one of the greatest estates in the world, producing coveted and collectible labels.
WINE The word Costa indicates the side of a hill, while Russi was the nickname of the old sharecropper who worked in the vineyard.
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Vineyard Profile
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The Costa Russi vineyard is situated in the municipality of Barbaresco, at the foot of a hill where, a little above, there is Sorì Tildìn. The land, facing southwest, consists of clayeycalcareous marls and covers a surface of 4.35 hectares, with an average altitude of 230 m above sea level.
- Vineyards: Barbaresco
- Appellation: Barbaresco D.O.P
- Location: Piedmont
- First Year of Production: 1978
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Vintage Report
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In 2021, the grape harvest yielded thin-skinned grapes that were rich in aroma and color, resulting in structured wines with significant volume, richness, and sweet tannins. Abundant snowfall and low temperatures led to an unusually severe, rainy winter, followed by a dry spring. Temperatures rose in mid-March but dropped again in early April with icy winds. Some lower-altitude vineyards were affected by frost, recording losses between 30% and 5%. The summer had hot, dry days alternating with short, frequent gusts of wind that lowered temperatures. Powdery mildew became a real threat in Barbaresco in July, requiring a lot of attention from our team. After a generally dry season, a redeeming rainfall came at the end of August, refreshing the Barbaresco region. Nebbiolo ripened slowly, helped by rainfall on September 17, along with a drop in temperatures and dense fog. The harvest began in Barbaresco on September 21. This relatively dry and cold vintage led to a late harvest and resulted in highquality grapes characterized by smaller berries.
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Vinification
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Fermentation, maceration and aging in oak for 24 months.
- Barrel Aging: Aged in oak for 24 months
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Nebbiolo
- Alcohol: 14%
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Tasting Notes
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Sweet and floral on the nose, with hints of red fruit, violet, black cherry, and a salty touch that continues on the palate. In the mouth, it is juicy and delicate, with moderate volume. Of the three single vineyard Barbarescos, it is the most floral and delicate, with a citrus note on the finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Costa Russi DOP — 2021 – Vinous – 97 Points
"The 2021 Barbaresco Costa Russi is dark, rich and texturally enveloping in the style of the best wines from this hillside side. Plush contours give the Costa Russi its feeling of total sensuality. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, licorice and dried flowers are all beautifully amplified in this gorgeous, resonant Barbaresco. This is a fabulous Costa Russi."
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Costa Russi DOP — 2021 – Wine Enthusiast – 97 Points
"The nose is filled with dark fruits, particularly black cherry, intertwined with layers of fresh and compote blueberries, accompanied by a medley of savory spices. Dried roses and mountain herbs give lift and contrast on the nose. Bursty with a viciousness, crushed tart red fruits enliven the palate, while the wine's rich and giving nature is balanced by a regal tannic structure. Savory note emerge on the finish as the classic Nebbiolo lift keeps the palate refreshed and primed."
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Costa Russi DOP — 2021 – James Suckling – 97 Points
"This is so aromatic, with nutmeg, white pepper, matchstick, flint, bramble berries, blackberries and iodine. Medium-bodied with sleek and flexed tannins that give form and raciness. Spicy at the end. Shows excellent potential."
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Costa Russi DOP — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 95 Points
"Expressive and elegant, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose and mineral aromas and flavors. Deftly balanced at this youthful stage, with refined tannins and vibrant acidity, this lingers with a complex mix of fruit and mineral elements, with a hint of eucalyptus."