2010 Gaja Costa Russi
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| Type of Wine | |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (14%) |
| Drink window | 2018 - 2032 |
| Available as of | Jan 16, 2026 |
Description
Hidden Cellar – exclusive selection of Grand Cru wines
The Hidden Cellar is Grand Cru's exclusive wine club concept, specially designed for our most loyal customers. You automatically become a member if you regularly order from Grand Cru. As a Hidden Cellar member, you'll have first access to a selection of exceptionally rare wines: vintages, iconic Bordeaux appellations and Burgundies, Italian Super Tuscans, Napa Valley wines, and rare Champagne. We can offer these gems directly from the wineries at very attractive prices, well below market. These are often wines that are no longer available or have become unaffordable. The wines come directly from the wineries and haven't traveled halfway around the world under uncertain circumstances. An overview of all the benefits can be found here .
Gaja Winery
Founded in 1859 in Barbaresco, the Gaja winery is one of Italy's most influential estates. The estate is known for its combination of traditional Piedmontese style and modern precision. The vineyards are increasingly working according to organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing healthy soils and balance in the vines. In the cellar, the focus is on purity, controlled extraction, and aging geared towards longevity.
More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.
Region, climate and location
Costa Russi is located in the municipality of Barbaresco, in the Langhe region of Piedmont. The vineyard faces southeast and is known for its relatively cooler location within the estate. The 2010 vintage was characterized by a long, cool growing season, with slow ripening and high natural acidity. These conditions produced wines with tension, freshness, and a distinctly classic profile.
Single vineyard Costa Russi
Costa Russi, first bottled in 1978, is known as the most elegant and aromatic of Gaja's three single-vineyard Barbarescos. Unlike Sorì San Lorenzo, Costa Russi is generally more refined and approachable in its youth. In 2010, this image shifts, and the wine reveals itself to be remarkably closed and structured, with a style that clearly demands aging.
Vineyards
The vineyard is planted on chalky, clay-rich soils with a distinct mineral subsoil. The vines are very old, resulting in low yields and concentrated fruit. The cooler location contributes to the preservation of freshness and aromatic precision, even in warmer years.
Grape varieties and composition
This wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo. The grapes were selected for balance and phenolic ripeness, while maintaining tension and structure. In 2010, the emphasis was less on power and more on precision and acidity, which is clearly reflected in the wine's profile.
Harvest
The harvest took place after a long and even growing season. Due to the low temperatures, ripening was controlled, and sugars, acids, and tannins were harvested in balance. The grapes displayed high aromatic intensity and firm, yet ripe tannins.
Vinification
Around the 2010 vintage, the winery made significant changes to the cellar. Old large barrels were replaced with new, large wooden barrels and a portion of tonneaux. At the same time, the number of rackings was reduced and the winemaking process became more reductive. This approach resulted in wines with greater focus, tension, and a purer expression of Nebbiolo.
Maturation
Maturation took place in a combination of large wooden barrels and tonneaux. This method allows for the gradual development of tannins and preservation of freshness. The oak influence remains supportive and contributes to structure and aging potential, without dominating the wine.
Color, smell and taste
The color is a rich ruby red. The aroma reveals red fruit such as strawberry and cherry, floral notes, undergrowth, and subtle wood influences. On the palate, the wine is taut and structured, with fresh acidity and a clear tannic backbone. Flavors of red fruit, mocha, and a hint of menthol converge in a long, precise finish with plenty of energy.
Development and drinking window
This Costa Russi is remarkably closed in its youth and requires patience. Further bottle aging will soften the tannins and enhance its aromatic complexity. Since this is a wine over 15 years old, wine is a natural product and aging can vary from bottle to bottle. The drinking window runs from approximately 2017 to 2030, with potential for further development.
Summary of professional reviews
Stephen Tanzer rated this wine 94+ points, highlighting its fresh acidity, firm structure, and impressive development potential. Antonio Galloni awarded it 95 points and described the wine as unusually closed for Costa Russi, with energy, precision, and a powerful finish. Both reviewers consider the 2010 vintage a classic that clearly demands aging.
The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.
If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.
Wine and food pairings
- Roasted guinea fowl with mushrooms and thyme, beautifully complemented by the fresh acidity and floral notes of the wine.
- Hare saddle with a red wine and herb sauce, which goes well with the structure and depth of this Barbaresco.
- Risotto with roasted pumpkin and sage, where the earthy and spicy elements are enhanced.
- Braised veal cheek with carrot and bay leaf, matching the tannins and long finish.
- Roasted aubergine with lentils and spices, which respects the tension and freshness of the wine.
```
Specifications
| Available as of | Jan 16, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | Red |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Piemonte |
| Appellation | Barbaresco |
| Icons | Icon Italy |
| Winery | Gaja |
| Grape | Nebbiolo |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Drinking as of | 2018 |
| Drinking till | 2032 |
| Alcohol % | 14 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Vinous rating | 95 |
Professional Reviews
Vinous
94+
From: Barolo and Barbaresco (Nov 2013)
Good full medium red. Subdued aromas of strawberry, red cherry and underbrush; oakier than the Barbaresco. Then lusher on the palate but with bright acidity and a firm tannic structure giving definition to the flavors of strawberry coulis and mocha. Finishes with terrific definition and a whiplash of fruits and flowers. Impressive potential here.
- By Stephen Tanzer on November 2013
Never one to rest on his laurels, Angelo Gaja continues to fine-tune his viticulture and vinification with his two daughters and son.He actually mentioned the word "retirement" during my visit but it's hard to imagine this dynamo slowing down, much less standing aside for the next generation.Indeed, on my recent tour of the Langhe, two much younger winemakers at other estates mentioned not being able to keep up with Gaja on one of his vineyard walks.In 2008 Gaja got rid of his huge old casks and replaced them with big new casks, although he made it clear that he broke in the new barrels in '08 and '09 by using them "for the bad part of the wines."But with vintage 2010, he began using these barrels for his best wines and also introduced some tonneaux.With the 2011 vintage and especially 2012 Gaja is working more reductively and has cut the number of rackings for his big nebbiolo wines from four to two.He also plans to work entirely by gravity in 2013.Gaja is also moving steadily in the direction of biodynamic farming, although he does not believe that these techniques are a magic bullet."Bio is like a good windshield wiper," he told me."It can't keep the rain from falling but it helps you make your way."He describes 2011 and 2010 as having similar acidity (acid levels were higher here in years like 2006 ad 2001).Both years, he went on, produced wines with more acidity than tannins, while in 2009 it was the other way around.In fact, some 2009s can have underripe tannins, he noted.Gaja describes his big 2010 nebbiolo wines as "precise, but not opulent or austere," a description that could equally well apply to red Burgundies from the same growing season.
95
Drinking Window
2017 - 2030
From: Barbaresco 2010: Treiso Shines (Oct 2013)
The 2010 Costa Russi is unusually firm in this vintage, with far less early appeal than is typically the case. Floral, perfumed and sensual, the 2010 is going to require time in the cellar for the tannins to soften. The 2010 is likely to remain a slightly slender, classic Costa Russi built on energy, freshness and vibrancy, but all the elements are in place for this to develop into a fabulous wine. Black cherries, plums, mocha and menthol wrap around the powerful finish. The 2010 is one the most reticent, tightly-wound Costa Russis I can remember tasting. This is a great showing.
- By Antonio Galloni on October 2013
Gaja's 2010s mostly reflect the qualities of the long, cold growing season in their steely, reticent personalities. This is especially true in the Costa Russi, which is typically much more open and expressive young than it is today. In Sorì Tildìn power dominates over finesse, at least today. As is often the case, the Sorì San Lorenzo is the most important of the three-single vineyard wines from Barbaresco. Its personality seems to come through loud and clear regardless of the vintage. I expect the flagship wines will require at least a few years in bottle before they start to blossom.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
The history of winery Gaja starts in 1859, the year in which Giovanni Gaja, a local grape grower in Barbaresco, Piemonte, founded a wine company under his own name. A generation later, it is Angelo, grandfather of the current owner, who continues to make wine with the same determination as his father. He is supported in this by Clotilde Rey with whom he marries in 1905. They teach their scion Giovanni named after his grandfather so that as a winemaker you should not make any concessions; nothing should be at the expense of the quality of the wine.
In 1961 Giovannis son Angelo works in the family business. After graduating as an economist from the University of Turin and graduating from the School of Viticulture & Oenology in Alba, the young Angelo left abroad for an internship at wine farms in Bordeaux, Burgundy, along the Rin and in California. Full of fresh ideas, he had now returned to his native Piemonte. When Angelo Gaja took over his parents' company in 1970, he asked his old classmate and winemaker Guido Rivella to assist him. Together they implement a number of revolutionary changes for the region. For example, they sometimes reduce yields per hectare by up to half the number of liters allowed, they experiment with vinification methods, the planting of new - both red and white - grape varieties and pioneering ripening techniques. The results are astonishing and Gaja conquers the world with his beautiful Barbaresco's - the company's flagship.
The nebbiolo grapes for the Barbaresco of Gaja traditionally came from different vineyards. Angelos' father, grandfather and his father did just that before. Although young Angelo would not end this tradition, he launched a new line of Barbaresco's from a single vineyard. Interest in these experimental single vinyard wines became more and more popular. As a proponent of a dynamic, purely quality-oriented wine culture, the brilliant winemaker decides from 1996 to completely break with what he considers to be a conservative and restrictive Italian designation of origin. Only his traditional Barbaresco is still on the market as a prestigious DOCG. He deliberately 'declassifies' all other red single vineyard wines into regional Langhe Nebbiolo DOC. These are the Sorì San Lorenzo, the Sorì Tildìn and the Costa Russi. Gajas Barolo Sperss also underwent the same name change. With the exception of the Dagromis Barolo DOCG, Sito Moresco and Conteisa de Langhe also bear DOC. Langhe DOC is also on the label of his white toppers from Piemonte, the Rossj-Bass, Alteni di Brassica and Gaia & Rey. After all, for Gaja the abbreviation does not guarantee good quality of a wine but the name of the producer.
Hidden Cellar – exclusive selection of Grand Cru wines
The Hidden Cellar is Grand Cru's exclusive wine club concept, specially designed for our most loyal customers. You automatically become a member if you regularly order from Grand Cru. As a Hidden Cellar member, you'll have first access to a selection of exceptionally rare wines: vintages, iconic Bordeaux appellations and Burgundies, Italian Super Tuscans, Napa Valley wines, and rare Champagne. We can offer these gems directly from the wineries at very attractive prices, well below market. These are often wines that are no longer available or have become unaffordable. The wines come directly from the wineries and haven't traveled halfway around the world under uncertain circumstances. An overview of all the benefits can be found here .
Gaja Winery
Founded in 1859 in Barbaresco, the Gaja winery is one of Italy's most influential estates. The estate is known for its combination of traditional Piedmontese style and modern precision. The vineyards are increasingly working according to organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing healthy soils and balance in the vines. In the cellar, the focus is on purity, controlled extraction, and aging geared towards longevity.
More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.
Region, climate and location
Costa Russi is located in the municipality of Barbaresco, in the Langhe region of Piedmont. The vineyard faces southeast and is known for its relatively cooler location within the estate. The 2010 vintage was characterized by a long, cool growing season, with slow ripening and high natural acidity. These conditions produced wines with tension, freshness, and a distinctly classic profile.
Single vineyard Costa Russi
Costa Russi, first bottled in 1978, is known as the most elegant and aromatic of Gaja's three single-vineyard Barbarescos. Unlike Sorì San Lorenzo, Costa Russi is generally more refined and approachable in its youth. In 2010, this image shifts, and the wine reveals itself to be remarkably closed and structured, with a style that clearly demands aging.
Vineyards
The vineyard is planted on chalky, clay-rich soils with a distinct mineral subsoil. The vines are very old, resulting in low yields and concentrated fruit. The cooler location contributes to the preservation of freshness and aromatic precision, even in warmer years.
Grape varieties and composition
This wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo. The grapes were selected for balance and phenolic ripeness, while maintaining tension and structure. In 2010, the emphasis was less on power and more on precision and acidity, which is clearly reflected in the wine's profile.
Harvest
The harvest took place after a long and even growing season. Due to the low temperatures, ripening was controlled, and sugars, acids, and tannins were harvested in balance. The grapes displayed high aromatic intensity and firm, yet ripe tannins.
Vinification
Around the 2010 vintage, the winery made significant changes to the cellar. Old large barrels were replaced with new, large wooden barrels and a portion of tonneaux. At the same time, the number of rackings was reduced and the winemaking process became more reductive. This approach resulted in wines with greater focus, tension, and a purer expression of Nebbiolo.
Maturation
Maturation took place in a combination of large wooden barrels and tonneaux. This method allows for the gradual development of tannins and preservation of freshness. The oak influence remains supportive and contributes to structure and aging potential, without dominating the wine.
Color, smell and taste
The color is a rich ruby red. The aroma reveals red fruit such as strawberry and cherry, floral notes, undergrowth, and subtle wood influences. On the palate, the wine is taut and structured, with fresh acidity and a clear tannic backbone. Flavors of red fruit, mocha, and a hint of menthol converge in a long, precise finish with plenty of energy.
Development and drinking window
This Costa Russi is remarkably closed in its youth and requires patience. Further bottle aging will soften the tannins and enhance its aromatic complexity. Since this is a wine over 15 years old, wine is a natural product and aging can vary from bottle to bottle. The drinking window runs from approximately 2017 to 2030, with potential for further development.
Summary of professional reviews
Stephen Tanzer rated this wine 94+ points, highlighting its fresh acidity, firm structure, and impressive development potential. Antonio Galloni awarded it 95 points and described the wine as unusually closed for Costa Russi, with energy, precision, and a powerful finish. Both reviewers consider the 2010 vintage a classic that clearly demands aging.
The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.
If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.
Wine and food pairings
- Roasted guinea fowl with mushrooms and thyme, beautifully complemented by the fresh acidity and floral notes of the wine.
- Hare saddle with a red wine and herb sauce, which goes well with the structure and depth of this Barbaresco.
- Risotto with roasted pumpkin and sage, where the earthy and spicy elements are enhanced.
- Braised veal cheek with carrot and bay leaf, matching the tannins and long finish.
- Roasted aubergine with lentils and spices, which respects the tension and freshness of the wine.
```
| Available as of | Jan 16, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | Red |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Piemonte |
| Appellation | Barbaresco |
| Icons | Icon Italy |
| Winery | Gaja |
| Grape | Nebbiolo |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Drinking as of | 2018 |
| Drinking till | 2032 |
| Alcohol % | 14 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Vinous rating | 95 |
Vinous
94+
From: Barolo and Barbaresco (Nov 2013)
Good full medium red. Subdued aromas of strawberry, red cherry and underbrush; oakier than the Barbaresco. Then lusher on the palate but with bright acidity and a firm tannic structure giving definition to the flavors of strawberry coulis and mocha. Finishes with terrific definition and a whiplash of fruits and flowers. Impressive potential here.
- By Stephen Tanzer on November 2013
Never one to rest on his laurels, Angelo Gaja continues to fine-tune his viticulture and vinification with his two daughters and son.He actually mentioned the word "retirement" during my visit but it's hard to imagine this dynamo slowing down, much less standing aside for the next generation.Indeed, on my recent tour of the Langhe, two much younger winemakers at other estates mentioned not being able to keep up with Gaja on one of his vineyard walks.In 2008 Gaja got rid of his huge old casks and replaced them with big new casks, although he made it clear that he broke in the new barrels in '08 and '09 by using them "for the bad part of the wines."But with vintage 2010, he began using these barrels for his best wines and also introduced some tonneaux.With the 2011 vintage and especially 2012 Gaja is working more reductively and has cut the number of rackings for his big nebbiolo wines from four to two.He also plans to work entirely by gravity in 2013.Gaja is also moving steadily in the direction of biodynamic farming, although he does not believe that these techniques are a magic bullet."Bio is like a good windshield wiper," he told me."It can't keep the rain from falling but it helps you make your way."He describes 2011 and 2010 as having similar acidity (acid levels were higher here in years like 2006 ad 2001).Both years, he went on, produced wines with more acidity than tannins, while in 2009 it was the other way around.In fact, some 2009s can have underripe tannins, he noted.Gaja describes his big 2010 nebbiolo wines as "precise, but not opulent or austere," a description that could equally well apply to red Burgundies from the same growing season.
95
Drinking Window
2017 - 2030
From: Barbaresco 2010: Treiso Shines (Oct 2013)
The 2010 Costa Russi is unusually firm in this vintage, with far less early appeal than is typically the case. Floral, perfumed and sensual, the 2010 is going to require time in the cellar for the tannins to soften. The 2010 is likely to remain a slightly slender, classic Costa Russi built on energy, freshness and vibrancy, but all the elements are in place for this to develop into a fabulous wine. Black cherries, plums, mocha and menthol wrap around the powerful finish. The 2010 is one the most reticent, tightly-wound Costa Russis I can remember tasting. This is a great showing.
- By Antonio Galloni on October 2013
Gaja's 2010s mostly reflect the qualities of the long, cold growing season in their steely, reticent personalities. This is especially true in the Costa Russi, which is typically much more open and expressive young than it is today. In Sorì Tildìn power dominates over finesse, at least today. As is often the case, the Sorì San Lorenzo is the most important of the three-single vineyard wines from Barbaresco. Its personality seems to come through loud and clear regardless of the vintage. I expect the flagship wines will require at least a few years in bottle before they start to blossom.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
The history of winery Gaja starts in 1859, the year in which Giovanni Gaja, a local grape grower in Barbaresco, Piemonte, founded a wine company under his own name. A generation later, it is Angelo, grandfather of the current owner, who continues to make wine with the same determination as his father. He is supported in this by Clotilde Rey with whom he marries in 1905. They teach their scion Giovanni named after his grandfather so that as a winemaker you should not make any concessions; nothing should be at the expense of the quality of the wine.
In 1961 Giovannis son Angelo works in the family business. After graduating as an economist from the University of Turin and graduating from the School of Viticulture & Oenology in Alba, the young Angelo left abroad for an internship at wine farms in Bordeaux, Burgundy, along the Rin and in California. Full of fresh ideas, he had now returned to his native Piemonte. When Angelo Gaja took over his parents' company in 1970, he asked his old classmate and winemaker Guido Rivella to assist him. Together they implement a number of revolutionary changes for the region. For example, they sometimes reduce yields per hectare by up to half the number of liters allowed, they experiment with vinification methods, the planting of new - both red and white - grape varieties and pioneering ripening techniques. The results are astonishing and Gaja conquers the world with his beautiful Barbaresco's - the company's flagship.
The nebbiolo grapes for the Barbaresco of Gaja traditionally came from different vineyards. Angelos' father, grandfather and his father did just that before. Although young Angelo would not end this tradition, he launched a new line of Barbaresco's from a single vineyard. Interest in these experimental single vinyard wines became more and more popular. As a proponent of a dynamic, purely quality-oriented wine culture, the brilliant winemaker decides from 1996 to completely break with what he considers to be a conservative and restrictive Italian designation of origin. Only his traditional Barbaresco is still on the market as a prestigious DOCG. He deliberately 'declassifies' all other red single vineyard wines into regional Langhe Nebbiolo DOC. These are the Sorì San Lorenzo, the Sorì Tildìn and the Costa Russi. Gajas Barolo Sperss also underwent the same name change. With the exception of the Dagromis Barolo DOCG, Sito Moresco and Conteisa de Langhe also bear DOC. Langhe DOC is also on the label of his white toppers from Piemonte, the Rossj-Bass, Alteni di Brassica and Gaia & Rey. After all, for Gaja the abbreviation does not guarantee good quality of a wine but the name of the producer.
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