2006 Sperss
By Gaja
2006 Sperss by Gaja, Piedmont, Italy
Elegant and structured, the 2006 Sperss from Gaja compellingly captures the unique essence of an exceptional vintage in the world of Italian wine. This specific year took advantage of a promising growing season that spoke of harmony and balance, resulting in a wine that provides an illustrious drinking experience for novices and connoisseurs alike.
Exceptional vintage showcases terroir
The climatic conditions of 2006 in Piedmont were remarkable, a perfect blend of sunshine and rainfall that bestowed upon the pristine Nebbiolo grapes a deep richness and complexity. The crown jewel of Gaja, Sperss harnesses this depth, its roots entrenched in the cherished terroirs of Serralunga d'Alba and La Morra. These vineyards are renowned for their low-yielding yet superior quality Nebbiolo grapes.
In this elegant fine wine from Italy, one discerns distinct notes of dark cherry and blackcurrant lovingly wrapped in layers of licorice, mint and sweet spices. The 2006 Sperss unravels a breathtaking tension between its bold aromatic palette and a finely structured character.
A discerning investment in Italian elegance
An alluring testament to the pedigree of the vines and the skilled winemaking prowess at Gaja, this powerful yet graceful expression of Nebbiolo makes the 2006 Sperss an intriguing proposition for investors with an affinity for fine wines.
With its graceful ageing potential and memorable personality – reflecting both variety and vintage - it stands as a monument to its bountiful origins, embodying terroir-driven authenticity and craftsmanship par excellence.
Above all, the 2006 vintage amplifies the defining characteristics of past Sperss, while presenting a complexity exclusive to the year of its harvest. It leaves an indelible imprint on the palate - intense yet balanced, noble and poised- making it a prized addition to any discerning wine investment portfolio.
Market price (USD)
N/A
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
N/A
Scores and tasting notes
The first thing I noticed about the 2006 Langhe Sperss is the finish, which literally lasts an eternity. It, too, is more overtly structured, powerful and less fruit-forward than the 2007, but its focus and drive are commendable. The wine seems to hover on the palate with an ethereal expression of dark fruit, smoke, licorice, tar and menthol, all of which are backed up with substantial heft and sheer muscle. This is a marvelous effort from Gaja and will appeal most to readers with a preference for sturdy, age-worthy wines. Anticipated maturity: 2021-2041. My most recent visit to Gaja was quite an experience, as I tasted all of the estate’s 1989s, 1990s and 2007s. The 1989s and 1990s are reviewed in this issue’s What About Now feature. Angelo Gaja, always loquacious on a wide range of subjects, says virtually nothing about his wines, an approach I have increasingly come to appreciate in an era where so many producers are constantly in pitch mode. Then again, Gaja doesn’t really need to say anything, the wines speak for themselves. I tasted the 2007s at the winery in November 2009 and then again in New York in January 2010. Both times they were spectacular. Stylistically the 2007s remind me of the 1997s in terms of their opulence. Gaja’s wines are often immensely appealing when young – which is certainly the case with the 2007s – but then close down in bottle for a number of years, sometimes many years. My impression is that the Costa Russi and Conteisa are the most likely of these 2007s to offer the widest drinking windows throughout their lives with a minimum of cellaring. Fermentation and malolactic fermentation take place in steel. The wines then spend approximately one year in French oak and a second year in cask prior to being bottled. As has been the case for a number of years now, Gaja’s Langhe wines incorporate a small percentage of Barbera. On a final note, it’s great to see Gaja’s daughters Gaia and Rossana increasingly involved in the winery. They, and their younger brother Giovanni, have big shoes to fill, but couldn’t have asked for better teachers than Angelo and Lucia Gaja. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 26 February 2010