Gaja Sperss Barolo DOP (75cl, 14.5%)

Sperss is a Barolo from Gaja, made from Nebbiolo with a small share of Barbera (94% and 6%). It comes from a Serralunga vineyard of 12 hectares that the family bought in 1988. In Piedmontese dialect, Sperss means nostalgia, recalling founder Giovanni Gaja's childhood memories of Serralunga. Fermentation and maturation of the grapes last about three weeks, followed by 30 months in wood. The colour is ruby with garnet reflections. The nose is dark and austere, with mineral notes alongside sour cherry, rhubarb, tar, liquorice and truffle. The palate is full-bodied and firm, with a dense, complex structure.