Gaja   Sperss

2008 Sperss

By Gaja

The 2008 Sperss from Gaja, Piedmont, Italy

When one delves into the world of exceptional vino Italiano, the 2008 Sperss from Gaja instantly demands attention. Even in a legacy of stellar creations from the renowned family-run Gaja winery, their 2008 Sperss emerges as a singular specimen of exquisite balance and captivating complexity.

 

A Vintage of Vivaciousness and Vigour

While notable for its typical reflections of the Nebbiolo grape - regal tannins, dark fruit richness, and an alluring earthiness - what marks the 2008 vintage as exceptional is its unusual vigour and vivacity. Saturated with structure and longevity more typical of celebrated Bordeaux vintages, it strikes an impeccable balance between opulent maturity and lively youthfulness.

This arresting duality was unquestionably shaped by the characterful 2008 growing season. Milder temperatures combined with luminous autumn days created an unhurried ripening process for the Nebbiolo grapes, allowing them to yield their full aromatic potential yet retaining robust acidity.

 

Terroir Transcendence

Piedmont's limestone rich soils shine through in this wine. The minerality derived from the terroir is bold and buoyant, giving way to enveloping dark berry flavours shot with truffle undertones. It's here that Gaja's famed reinterpretation of traditional Italian winemaking is most noteworthy – balancing the power and potency of Piedmont with an elegance and refinement that sets it apart.

In investment terms, fine wines from Italy - especially those with the esteemed provenance of Gaja - carry strong attraction. The 2008 Sperss offers layered complexity waiting to unfurl over time, which makes it a rewarding choice for investors in fine wine who look for depth, development and potential for appreciation.

 

Seizing the 2008 Sperss

In summary, the 2008 Sperss from Gaja is an evocative elucidation of its vintage - an encapsulation of the specific climatic narrative of 2008. This wine showcases itself as one of Piedmont's distinctive expressions, underlining the immense potential residing in this Italian region’s terroir. To uncork this bottle is to engage in a unique, timeless conversation with nature, climate, and human craftsmanship - an essential dialogue for any true connoisseurs or fine wine investors.

Current market price

£2,190.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

136.88

Scores and tasting notes

96

The 2008 Sperss is exotic, dark and totally seductive. Black cherries, mint, licorice, flowers, spices and juniper berries meld together in the glass, all supported by firm, insistent tannins. Today the Sperss has begun to shut down in bottle. It isn't anywhere near as expressive as the Conteisa, but that will come in time. There is so much to look forward to, but readers will have to be patient. In time, the 2008 Sperss will be yet another viscerally thrilling wine. Sperss is made from the Marenca and Rivette vineyards in Serralunga. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2048. Getting to the top in any field is hard. Staying at the top is even harder. For all of the praise Angelo Gaja and his family have received over the years, they have earned and deserve every bit of it. These new releases, the 2008 reds from Barolo in particular, are insanely beautiful. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604 8900

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 25 April 2012

Vintage performance