2016 Sperss
By Gaja
2016 Sperss from Gaja, Piedmont, Italy
The 2016 Sperss from Gaja out of Italy's epicenter of the Nebbiolo grape, stands among the elites when it comes to fine wine from Italy. Angelo Gaja's take on traditionally vibrant Nebbiolo grapes, a variety that presents cavernous depth in structure and elegantly refined rough edges, crafts a persuasive narrative around the vintage's distinct attributes.
Spotlight on Sensational Sperss
The climatic turmoil of 2016 punctuated a period of heavy rainfall with an unseasonably dry summer and cool autumn. Traversing through these contrasting episodes fortified the vines with a complex composition that transmuted profoundly into the Sperss. This resilient expression is showcased in the maturity of tannins, exhibiting grandeur without leaning on brute strength - a testament to Gaja's intricate skill in viniculture.
Notably though, the interplay between marked acidity and well-curated fruit concentration sets aside this vintage with an impressive balance lending it that substantial poise. Coupled with an entrancing scent profile - dark cherries wrapped in layers of fresh rose petals, laced with tones of tart mandarin peel and truffle notes - this wine offers an investable exposition that lasts an eternity.
An Exemplification of Elegance
Italy’s Barolo region had been celebrated for centuries, offering collectors a string of towering vintages. While it represents this tradition grandly, the 2016 Sperss surfaces as a veritable sonnet penned in homage to Piedmontese terroir. The nature of its volatile 2016 vintage only deepens its signature verse, rendering it as one of the most desirable fines wines from Italy for investors.
Ultimately, with its stunning depth of palate, mesmerizing scent and considerable aging potential the 2016 Sperss from Gaja emerges as an exceptional showcase of Piedmont’s Nebbiolo at its finest expression. It’s a model wine that ensures the legacy of its producer while capturing the vibrancy of its vintage year. A standout selection primed to outshine in any portfolio of fine wine investments.
Market price (GBP)
£3,680.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
184
Scores and tasting notes
The golden touch, that proverbial Gaja magic, is taken to a whole new level in the 2016 Barolo Sperss. Angelo Gaja has taught his children to follow their own path, and now that the generational switch is well underway at the family estate, we can see that Gaia, Rossana and Giovanni have done him proud. Very proud. This stunning expression from the 2016 vintage (with 16,000 bottles released) represents quite a few celebratory milestones. We are now in the fifth generation to protect the Gaja legacy in an unbroken family chain that has endured since 1859. This wine is 100% Nebbiolo, and since the 2013 vintage, it is part of the Barolo DOCG appellation. Winemaking has been tweaked to embrace a more elegant, ethereal and streamlined personality, instead of the bigger extraction we saw in the past. This upgraded identity is distinctly evident in this newest release of Sperss. Starting with appearance, the wine is luminous and bright with shiny ruby and garnet gemstone. Its aromatic reach is three-dimensional with width, height and depth. Delicate berry tones cede to pressed lilac, anise, sandalwood and cardamom spice. I double decanted and left the bottle open for a few hours before my tasting. The results are tight and gentle, and the wine shows beautiful vertical lift and intensity. To achieve this much power without the excess fruit weight is really quite an accomplishment. This is the magic of Nebbiolo, and the magic of Gaja.
Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate, 23 July 2020