GAJA
Sperss Barolo DOP
Sperss translates to “nostalgia” in local dialect. This was the first step outside Barbaresco for the Gaja family, and a project dear to Angelo Gaja and his father, Giovanni Gaja. Vineyard in Marenca-Rivette in Serralunga.
The Sperss vineyard is located in the Marenca-Rivette subarea, in the municipality of Serralunga. The land, arranged as an amphitheater on a surface of 30 acres, consists of very compact clayey-calcareous marls and has south and southwest exposure with an average altitude of 1,210 ft a.s.l. The vines are 50 years old on average.
- Region
- Piedmont
- Appellation
- Barolo DOP
- Varietal Composition
- Nebbiolo
- Aging
- 30 months in oak.
- Alcohol
- 14%
The deep and mineral notes typical of the Serralunga terroir combine with the excellent fruity elements: sour black cherry, truffle, rhubarb and licorice. The mouthfeel reveals an austere texture and a full body, dense and complex. It has an extraordinary bottle ageing potential.
Wine Advocate
97 Points
2022
The Gaja 2022 Barolo Sperss shows greater dimension and depth than the Conteisa, with a broader, more robust frame and a darker fruit profile to match. Black cherry and cassis are layered with earthy spice and mineral notes, while the palate is firmly structured with pronounced, chalky tannins that give the wine impressive drive and aging potential. Despite the concentration of the 2022 vintage, the wine remains beautifully balanced, with freshness carrying the fruit through the finish. As I taste the recent trio of hot vintages—2020, 2022 and now 2023—I find myself wondering whether wines of this caliber will ultimately be enjoyed at a younger age than previous generations. The 2023s are already remarkably expressive, whereas the 2022 Sperss feels destined for a longer evolution in bottle.
— Monica Larner, 2026
Jancis Robinson
17++ Points
2022
Youthful mid ruby. A little closed on the nose but with real concentration and hints of exotic spice. Supple, suave fruit and still a little embryonic. Bags of gravelly tannins remaining perfectly under the fruit. Great length and balance. Tactile fireworks.
— Walter Speller, 2026
