THE WINE

The Costa Russi from the Gaja winery comes from Nebbiolo, with a small percentage of Barbera grapes grown in the vineyards owned by the winery in Serralunga d’Alba. The name Costa Russi has a precise meaning; in the Piedmontese dialect Costa indicates the best exposed side of a hill while Russi was the nickname of the first owner of the vineyard.

THE WINEMAKING

The grapes are carefully selected during the strictly manual harvest, and only the best are used to produce this label. The peculiarity of this wine is the double refinement. In fact, after fermentation, the wine ages for 12 months in French oak barriques and a further 12 months in large barrels of precious wood. Once bottled, it rests in the cellar for a few more months before being placed on the market.

THE TASTING

Intense ruby red with garnet reflections; the aroma is broad and intriguing, with pleasant fruity hints of blackberries and raspberries, which intertwine with mineral notes and spicy puffs of vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Velvety on the palate, this Nebbiolo is warm and soft, with very well-structured tannins. The persistence is also excellent.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Perfect with red meats, game and hard cheeses. You mist try it with Alba White Truffle. Due to its quality, it is also excellent as a meditation wine.

Wine is purchased directly from the producer and stored in cold rooms.

THE AWARDS

2016
– Robert Parker –  96/100
– Wine Spectator – 97/100
– James Suckling – 97/100