Vingården Gaja blev grundlagt i 1859 og Angelo Gaja der fortsat driver det (sammen med datteren) kom ind i familieforetagendet i 1961. I vinhistoriebøgerne er det ikke vanskeligt at finde at Elio Altare og Angelo Gaja er blandt de mest betydningsfulde innovative revolutionerende personligheder i Piemonte i forbindelse med vinproduktion baseret på nebbiolo. Gaja med oprindelse i Barbaresco råder idag over ca. 100 ha vinmarker i Piemonte (stadig primært Barbaresco) og 80 ha vinmarker i Toscana. Gajas to toscanske vingårde Pieve Santa Restituta (brunello) og Ca Marcanda (Supertoscaner) er også at finde i 2100Happiness sortiment. Angelo Gajas vine er dyre - ca. en håndfuld er blandt Italiens dyreste vine - de er også en vinøs oplevelse udover det sædvanlige til særlige anledninger.
Robert Parker 94
The 1998 Sperss reveals a perfume of black fruits, truffles, earth, and spice box. Dense, massive yet seamless, this beautifully integrated wine possesses low acidity as well as a terrific finish. Although evolved and delicious for such a youthful Barolo, it will age well for 20-25 years. 2001 - 2026
Galloni 95
One of the things I have learned over the years is that you can count on Angelo Gaja to make a strong showing in just about any tasting. Yes, I know, Sperss is not Barolo (a small percentage of Barbera is added), but at its core the wine captures the essence of Serralunga and is as representative of these hillside vineyards as any Barolo. Dark tar, smoke, leather, spices, menthol and black cherries all make an appearance in this muscular, full-throttle wine. While the vast majority of 1998 Barolos can be enjoyed today, the 1998 Sperss could use another few years in the cellar. It isn't a crime to open a bottle today, but this is one of the few 1998s that still has upside potential. Simply put, the 1998 Sperss is a jewel. Incidentally, I tasted through the entire 1998 Gaja lineup last year and found all the wines outstanding. Highlights included Sorì San Lorenzo and Sorì Tildìn, which along with Sperss, are terrific wines. 2013 - 2023
