Barbaresco “Costa Russi” DOP 2022

Angelo Gaja | Piedmont
Az. Agr. Gaja | Via Torino 36 | IT 12050 Barbaresco

05232622 · 0,75 l · 985,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer

In Piedmont, "Costa" is the name given to the side of a hill that faces the sun. "Russi" was the nickname of the tenant who once farmed this vineyard – a man whose real name has long been forgotten, but lives on on every label. When Angelo Gaja acquired the plot in 1967, he probably sensed that something special lay dormant here. Eleven years later, in 1978, he bottled the first Costa Russi as a single vineyard. Since then, the 4.35-hectare vineyard has taken its place in the triumvirate of legendary Gaja crus – alongside the powerful Sorì San Lorenzo and the mineral Sorì Tildìn. But Costa Russi plays a different tune: where the brothers offer muscle and tension, it responds with grace and fragrance. The south-west exposure at 230 metres above sea level, directly below Sorì Tildìn, gives the Nebbiolo the warmth that makes it soft and inviting without ever losing its structure. After three weeks of maceration and twenty-four months in oak – first in barriques, then in large barrels – the 2022 shows what Costa Russi is all about.

Dark ruby red with violet reflections in the glass. The nose literally explodes: violets and lilacs, strawberries and redcurrants, followed by a hint of mint and spicy meaty notes. Dense and velvety on the palate, with polished tannins and a beguiling texture. The final lingers for a long time – graphite-tinged, still austere, but with a rigour that promises a great future. The tenant Russi is long gone. His hill and not least his name continue to write it. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exudes a refined aroma of stone fruit, tobacco and truffles; polished texture, the grippy tannins and ripe acidity in balance, velvety evolution, persistent finish." Vinum

"Powerful, bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Intense and clear nose, seductive aromas of crisp, fresh raspberries, some strawberry, plus cherry and green-spicy components. Presents a lot of polished, fine-meshed tannin on the palate, opens up in many layers, juicy fruit, very good tension, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Barbaresco Costa Russi shows a pronounced floral element with violets and lilac that give this wine a special sense of finesse and grace. This is the fundamental character of Costa Russi (as compared to the mineral-driven Sorì Tildìn and the more powerful Sorì San Lorenzo), and it shines through even in a robust vintage such as this. The heat and the sunshine of 2022 has ripened aromas of blue currant and plum; however, the Costa Russi remains incredibly fine-tuned and delicate throughout." Wine Advocate

"Rich and multifaceted Barbaresco, with a fresh profile of strawberries and redcurrants, as well as whiffs of meat and mint. Full-bodied, showing lovely density and weight with thick, velvety tannins. Concentrated but polished, with a still austere finish that’s tinged with graphite." James Suckling

"The 2022 Barbaresco Costa Russi is a bomb. A burst of dark red/purplish fruit wrapped up by soft contours announces an important wine, one of the very finest of this challenging harvest. Lavender, rose petal, mint, spice and licorice add layers of nuance, but it is the wine's balance that stands out most. Exceptional." Vinous