COSTA RUSSI
A “costa” is the side of a hill that faces the sun; “Russi” is the nickname of the former owners of this vineyard, which was then acquired in 1967 by Gaja family.
The 2005 was an interesting vintage climatically as it split Italy vinously in two! To the East, and even right down to the south in Puglia, there was significant rain and variability. However, this did not apply, in general, to the Western half of the country, and most importantly in Piedmont.
The key elements to the Piedmont harvest were that it was a warm and dry summer, but not too hot. Flowering took place in reasonable conditions but the fruit set was down somewhat. In addition, there was plenty of bright sunshine through the summer months – “perfect luminosity” - as Angelo Gaja referred to it. The vegetative cycle was extremely regular and an early ripening took place. There were some showers in early September, but these acted more as a refresher – rather than a threat – to the vines. The harvest was one of the quicker due to the even ripening throughout the vineyards and the last Nebbiolo was brought in by the first week in October, after which the weather did take a break for the worse.
Overall, the Gaja Piedmont harvest was down by 24% in volume as against the 2004.
From the start the wines showed very pure and expressive fruit character and the tannins were rich, but very supple and ripe, as a result of the growing season. They had immediate appeal and character and above all, for Angelo, “elegance”. In general, the wines have very good structure, sustained by firm levels of ripe acidity, bold fruit flavours and an overall charm and fine balance. The level of concentration is deceptive and there is no doubt that these wines are of very fine quality, with great potential for medium term aging and drinking, but at the same time we anticipate them to remain expressive throughout their life. Overall, Angelo felt there were similarities with the 1988 and 1978 vintages, which have both been proved to be exceptional.
Appellation: Langhe Nebbiolo d.o.c.
The Langhe Nebbiolo d.o.c. appellation was introduced in 1993. It comprises the hills around Alba and includes the Barolo and Barbaresco zones.
Variety: 95% Nebbiolo and 5% Barbera.
Vineyard: The eleven-acre Costa Russi vineyard is just a few steps from the Sorì Tildìn vineyard in the village of Barbaresco. Costa Russi enjoys a southwestern exposure and lies at an altitude of 750 feet above sea level. The soil is primarily marl, clay and limestone.
Vinification: Fermentation with the skins occurs in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature for three weeks. The wine is aged in barriques for twelve months, followed by an additional twelve months of aging in large oak casks.
Characteristics: Among all the Gaja’s single vineyards, Costa Russi is the most cativating and elegant. Shows elegance, ripe fruit and a velvety structure from an early age, with well-integrated aromas of blackberries, violets and roasted coffee beansa. Full body with great concentration and purity.
The wine has excellent aging potential -- more than thirty years in outstanding vintages.
First vintage produced: 1978
Until 1995 Costa Russi carried the Barbaresco D.O.C.G. appellation. Beginning with the 1996 vintage, as with all of Gaja’s single-vineyard wines, it bears the Langhe Nebbiolo D.O.C. appellation. The only D.O.C.G. wine produced by Gaja is the family’s flagship Barbaresco. The Gaja single-vineyard philosophy remains the same as it has always been: to express the extraordinary quality potential of each vineyard site in order to produce wines of distinctive personality and unique, inimitable character.
1 case of 6 bottles of Costa Russi £1200 (Magnums available)
1 case of 6 bottles of Costa Russi under bond £1020 (Magnums available)