Costa Russi DOP — 2020
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Introduction
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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 clayey-calcareous marls and covers a surface of 4.35 hectares, with an average altitude of 230 m above sea level. The vines are 65 years old on average.
- Appellation: Barbaresco D.O.P
- First Year of Production: 1978
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Vintage Report
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The 2020 vintage was characterized by frequent rainfalls that can be defined as atypical for various reasons. Instead of the distribution coming in winter
and spring, it was concentrated in the summer months. Despite the frequent summer thunderstorms, none of our vineyards were damaged by hail. During winter, the
temperatures were mild. Particularly, January 2020 will be remembered for being the warmest in the last 50 years. The actual cold, with temperatures below freezing, arrived in mid-March and lasted a month. However, no frost damage occurred. With the sole exceptions of a heat spike in late May, one in August, and one in mid-September, the period from May to early October was characterized by alternating warm days and thunderstorms followed by cooler days. Significant temperature variations during the rest of September and October helped the color, aromas, and overall health of the grapes.
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Vinification
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Fermentation and maceration for around three weeks followed by aging in oak for 24 months.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Nebbiolo
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Tasting Notes
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All the crus coming from the 2020 vintage show richness in the mouth. In the Costa Russi, there is an abundance of strawberries, and plums, all showing in a very pronounced way. As the wine opens, there are broader notes of raspberry, red currant, pepper, verbena, elderflower, and
marzipan. The palate starts with a hint of sweetness with a round mouthfeel. The finish is elegant.
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Images
Reviews
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Costa Russi, Barbaresco DOP – 2020 – Decanter – 95 Points
“Compact clay soils and cooler micro-climate make this the most fragrant of Gaja's three single-vineyard Barbaresco bottlings. Delicate but ripe cherry aromas with touches of herbs and earth introduce a finely structured palate; soft and gentle but with brooding power lurking underneath. Its floral and balsamic notes reflect the cool site, while the gorgeous finish is pretty and pure.”
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Costa Russi, Barbaresco DOP — 2020 – Wine Enthusiast – 96 Points
“Dynamic and lifted, the nose is layered in floral aromas of dried rose, lavender and purple lily that coast over the glass. As the wine develops, notes of strawberry, licorice and forest floor slowly surface. This vintage shines with elegant tannins and lifted acidity that keeps the palate bright with vibrant tart red fruits, savory spice and wild herbs on the elegant finish.”
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Costa Russi DOP — 2020 – Vinous – 96 Points
"The 2020 Barbaresco Costa Russi is a classy, polished wine. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and lavender all take shape. As always, Costa Russi is the most supple and charming of the Gaja Barbarescos in the early going."
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Costa Russi DOP — 2020 – Wine Spectator – 95 Points
“Fresh and pure, evoking cherry, raspberry, rose, iron and woodsy aromas and flavors, this is complex and solidly built, with a touch of creaminess to its texture and a superlong, expressive finish. Combines finesse and intensity.”