Costa Russi is one of Gaja’s most celebrated single-vineyard Barbarescos, widely regarded as a grand cru–level expression of Nebbiolo from one of the estate’s most prized sites. First bottled as a single-vineyard wine in the 1970s, Costa Russi has become a reference point for modern Barbaresco, combining site expression with the precision and polish that define the Gaja house style.
Located in the Barbaresco commune, the Costa Russi vineyard benefits from favourable exposures and well-drained soils that contribute to both aromatic complexity and structural depth. The site is known for producing wines that marry richness with finesse, delivering power without sacrificing the elegance for which top Barbaresco is renowned.
Aromatically, Costa Russi typically presents layered notes of ripe cherry, wild strawberry and plum, supported by rose petal, violet, sweet spice and subtle balsamic nuance. With age, tertiary notes of truffle, leather and forest floor emerge, adding further complexity and depth.
On the palate, the wine is structured yet refined, with firm, finely grained tannins framing a concentrated core of red fruit. The balance between power and elegance is a defining feature, with vibrant acidity providing lift and length through a long, resonant finish. The texture is polished, reflecting both vineyard pedigree and Gaja’s meticulous winemaking.
Vinification and élevage are designed to support site expression while building structure and longevity. Careful extraction and ageing in oak contribute to the wine’s layered profile, allowing Costa Russi to develop gracefully over many years in bottle.
For collectors, Gaja Costa Russi stands as one of Piedmont’s most iconic single-vineyard Nebbiolos, prized for its pedigree, consistent critical acclaim and long-term ageing potential. It is a cornerstone wine for serious Barbaresco enthusiasts and a benchmark for modern interpretations of single-site Nebbiolo at the highest level.
