Rare and Fine Wine from Italy and Spain

Live Virtual Auction, 14 May 2023

Rare and Fine Wine from Italy and Spain
About the Session

An exquisite selection of highly sought-after collectables of Fine and Rare Italian and Spanish wines.


Sold for

ZAR 5 863
Lot 42
  • Gaja; Sperss; 2010; 1 (1 x 1); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 6 000 - 10 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 5 863

About this Item

2010 Sperss
1 (1 x 1) 750ml

Gaja is one of the best-known wine producers in all of Italy. Originating in and still based in Barbaresco, in northwest Italy, the Gaja name remains most strongly associated with Nebbiolo based wines, though the company now makes more wine in Tuscany than Piedmont. The business was founded in 1859 by Giovanni Gaja with just 2 hectares (5 acres) of vineyards in Barbaresco. Each generation saw expansion, although Angelo Gaja, who took over full-time in 1970, is often credited with the estate's more recent success. He was responsible for overseeing sweeping changes in the vineyards and cellars, and introducing the famed single-vineyard Barbaresco wines Sorì San Lorenzo, Sorì Tildìn, and Costa Russi.

Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

‘Fragrant, with incense and sandalwood notes framing the core of cherry, accented by hints of leather, tobacco and tea. Exhibits purity and density despite the formidable tannins. The finish is long and complex, revealing fruit and spice elements. Best from 2018 through 2035.’ - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 97/100 (Feb 2015)

‘The 2010 Sperss delivers a broad approach to the bouquet with bold flavors of red fruit, spice and milk chocolate that caress the palate. The wine sports a broad frame with beautiful fruit filling at its core. The tannins in Sperss are very firm and structured and this wine won’t be ready for five to ten more years. Drink: 2018-2040.’ - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Jun 2014)

‘Very good deep red. Multidimensional aromas of raspberry, flowers, mocha, menthol, orange peel, licorice and underbrush, plus a whiff of petrol that reminded me of riesling. Densely packed and powerful but without any undue weight, showing terrific finesse and mouthfilling breadth to its flavors of red fruits, menthol and minerals. Superb inner-mouth tension here. Has the strength of fruit to support the powerful tannins on the unflagging finish. This should gain in complexity in bottle for two or three decades.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 96+/100 (Nov 2013)

‘Aromas of menthol, tobacco, juicy black fruit, grilled herb and a whiff of truffle unfold in the glass. Made with Nebbiolo from the firm's Serralunga holdings and a drop of Barbera, it has a pristine palate that delivers dark black cherry, licorice and black pepper alongside firm but fine tannins. It's still young and austere so give it time to develop fully. Drink 2020–2045.’ – Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, 95/100 (Dec 2014)

View all Gaja lots for sale in this auction