Wines Unspecified Gaja - Costa Russi - 2007

Viniou Reviews

The 2007 Costa Russi from Gaja, one of Piemonte’s most revered producers, is a remarkable red wine that captures the true essence of the Langhe region. Produced predominantly from Nebbiolo grapes, though often with a touch of Barbera in select vintages, this cuvée showcases the meticulous vineyard management and cellar techniques for which Gaja is famous. The 2007 vintage offered a warm and balanced growing season, allowing for optimal ripeness and concentration in the fruit. The wine’s vinification typically sees stainless steel fermentation followed by a significant period of maturation in oak, imparting structure, polish, and longevity. The Costa Russi cru is renowned for yielding wines with elegance, aromatic finesse, and an ability to develop beautifully over time.

Piemonte, set in Italy’s north-west, is one of the world’s truly great wine regions. The area benefits from a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers moderated by Alpine breezes. The soils here are predominantly calcareous marl and clay, lending Nebbiolo its defining perfume, nuanced structure, and graceful tannins. The Langhe, where Gaja’s vineyards are situated, has a long history dating back to Roman times and is famed for producing some of Italy’s most age-worthy wines, especially Barbaresco and Barolo, to which Costa Russi is closely akin in style and prestige.

Costa Russi’s intense bouquet of violet, rose petal, ripe cherry, and hints of truffle and tar makes it ideal with classic Piedmontese dishes such as braised veal in Barolo sauce, tajarin pasta with wild mushroom ragù, or hearty risotto with white truffles. Aged cheeses like Castelmagno or mature Parmigiano-Reggiano also pair beautifully, as do game dishes or a simple roast duck with herbs to emphasise the wine’s savoury depth.

For optimum enjoyment, decant the Costa Russi for at least one hour before serving, and enjoy at 17-18°C. This temperature allows the wine’s aromatics and texture to shine while preserving its freshness and refined character.