Sperss Barolo DOP — 2019
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Introduction
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In 1988 the Gaja family purchased twelve hectares of vineyard in one of the best positions in Serralunga. The land was named Sperss, a Piedmontese dialect word meaning nostalgia, that of Giovanni Gaja (Angelo’s father) for the childhood memories linked with Serralunga.
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Vineyard Profile
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The Sperss vineyard is located in the Marenca-Rivette sub-area in the municipality of Serralunga. The land, arranged as an amphitheater on a surface of 12 hectares, consists of very compact clay-calcareous marls and has south and south-west facing exposure with an average altitude of 370 m above sea level. The vines are 55 years old on average.
- Appellation: Barolo DOP
- First Year of Production: 1988
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Vintage Report
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Scarce snowfalls in general in the winter months, the start to the season was marked by a dry spell. The months of January and February were dry with average and relatively low temperatures, these optimal conditions helped to protect against the onset of diseases. Abundant rainfall (200 mm) with average-low temperatures (15-17°C) turned out in April and May. At the end of June, the temperatures rose sharply (from 26 degrees to 41.5°C for about 3 days) and caused stress to the plants with signs of browning appearing on the leaves. From mid-July onwards, the first significant rains set in with 200 mm falling at Barbaresco. Temperatures settled at around 26-30° degrees for the rest of the summer. More rain fell resulting in a total of 800 mm from the beginning of the year to the end of August. The soil with a high water content plus warmth allowed the phenolic ripening to progress.
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Tasting Notes
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The deep and mineral notes typical of the Serralunga terroir combine with the excellent fruity elements: sour black cherry, goudron, truffle, rhubarb and liquorice. The mouthfeel reveals an austere texture and a full body, dense and complex. It has an extraordinary bottle ageing potential.
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Images
Reviews
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Sperss Barolo DOP — 2019 – Wine Enthusiast – 97 Points
“A Serralunga powerhouse, this Barolo leaps from the glass with aromas of dark cherries, raspberry preserves, truffle, star anise and fresh wildflowers. A study in both power and elegance, the wine heaves with firm and refined tannins while elegant flavors of plum, dried herbs and pressed roses grace the palate.”
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Sperss Barolo DOP — 2019 – Wine Spectator – 95 Points
"A muscular red that combines juniper, sandalwood and tomato leaf aromas with cherry, strawberry, iron and tar, while burly tannins set the stage for a long, heady finish. Beauty and the beast wrapped in one"
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Sperss Barolo DOP — 2019 – Vinous – 98 Points
'"A wine of stature and breeding, the 2019 Barolo Sperss is pure Serralunga power. Dark toned fruit, lavender, licorice, gravel and crushed rocks soar from the glass. There is plenty of the brooding intensity and tannic heft that are such signatures, but the 2019 is also wonderfully refined."
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Sperss Barolo DOP — 2019 – James Suckling – 96 Points
“Very well integrated tannins that spread across the palate and give tension and form to the wine. Medium to full body. Chewy and juicy. Needs time to soften.”