2013 Gaja Barolo Sperss

Gaja Winery

Gaja is one of Italy's most iconic wineries and has played a key role in Piedmont's international reputation for decades. The estate was founded in 1859 in Barbaresco and is currently run by Angelo Gaja and his children Gaia, Rossana, and Giovanni. Under their leadership, Gaja grew into one of the most influential producers of Nebbiolo.

The house is known for its cru wines from both Barbaresco and Barolo, sourced from some of the most prestigious vineyards in Piedmont. Gaja’s philosophy combines respect for tradition with a continuous quest for precision and terroir expression. The result is wines of immense complexity, structure, and exceptional aging potential.

2013 Gaja Barolo Press

The Barolo Sperss is one of the great Barolos of the Gaja house and comes from the Marenca and Rivette vineyards in the village of Serralunga d'Alba. The name “Sperss” means approximately “nostalgia” or “longing” in the Piedmontese dialect, a reference to the deep emotional bond of the Gaja family with this special place.

Moreover, the 2013 vintage marks an important moment for the estate. In this vintage, Sperss officially returned to the Barolo DOCG appellation after the wine had been released as Langhe Nebbiolo for years. As a result, the wine is once again recognized as a pure expression of Nebbiolo from one of the great terroirs of Barolo.

Terroir of Serralunga d'Alba

Serralunga d'Alba is known for its powerful and structured Barolos. The limestone- and clay-rich soils and the relatively cool location result in wines with deep color, intense aromatics, and a firm tannin structure. The Sperss combines this typical power of Serralunga with the finesse and precision characteristic of Gaja.

Color, smell and taste

Deep ruby red in color with garnet reflections. On the nose, complex aromas of black cherries, plums, and dark berries, complemented by notes of wet earth, black truffle, graphite, licorice, and spices.

On the palate, powerful and structured with broad shoulders and an impressive tannin structure. The wine displays great concentration and depth with layers of dark fruit, spices, and earthy notes. The finish is long, powerful, and elegant with great aging potential.

Reviews

96 points – The Wine Advocate (Monica Larner)
“This wine shows the quintessential attributes of the Serralunga d'Alba appellation with dark fruit flavors and powerful intensity. Rich layers of black fruit, wet earth, black truffle, licorice and spice with a firm and lasting tannic structure.”

97 points – Vinous (Antonio Galloni)
“Deep and powerful, yet wonderfully translucent, the 2013 hits all the right notes. Graphite, smoke, licorice, plum, black cherry and dark spice define this exceptionally vivid Barolo.”

Storage potential

Like many great Barolos from Serralunga, the Sperss needs time to fully come into its own. The 2013 vintage combines classic structure with aromatic finesse and can continue to develop over several decades. This is a wine that, with patience, will reveal even more complexity and elegance.

Wine & Food Pairing and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.