What kind of wine is Barbaresco DOCG 'Rabaja'' 2021 - Giuseppe Cortese?

The Barbaresco DOCG 'Rabaja'' 2021 - Giuseppe Cortese is a red Piedmontese wine of great elegance, an authentic expression of the Barbaresco hills. Made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, this wine originates from the famous “Rabajà” cru, considered one of the appellation's most suitable vineyards. The result is a wine of remarkable body, refined and profound, combining structure and harmony in perfect balance. Ideal for those seeking a traditional Barbaresco capable of evolving over time, maintaining a sincere and territorial soul.

Vintage details

The 2021 vintage was characterized by balanced weather, with a warm but not excessive summer and a dry autumn, perfect for the ripening of Nebbiolo. The grapes reached optimal phenolic maturity, ensuring excellent aromatic concentration and fine tannins. The result is a harmonious and complex Barbaresco, ready to drink but with significant evolutionary potential.

Vinification and aging

Fermentation takes place traditionally, with a long maceration on the skins – that is, the contact of the must with the skins to extract color, aromas, and tannins. After pressing, the wine is aged for at least 20 months in Slavonian oak barrels, an ideal wood for slow and natural evolution, without overpowering the Nebbiolo's profile. This is followed by a further 10 months of aging in the bottle, necessary to complete its harmony before release.

Tasting notes

Colour

Visually, it presents a clear and bright garnet red, with slight orange reflections that anticipate its character of elegance and maturity.

Nose

The bouquet is complex and fine: notes of ripe red fruits, withered rose, and violet are perceived, intertwined with hints of sweet spices, tobacco, and a light balsamic touch. An ethereal and enveloping aroma that invites tasting and tells the story of Barbaresco's tradition in the glass.

Palate

On the palate, the Barbaresco DOCG 'Rabaja'' 2021 - Giuseppe Cortese is decisive and harmonious. The tannins, which are the substances that give structure and a slight sense of astringency, are mature and well integrated. The mouthfeel is broad, elegant, and persistent, with a long, savory, and slightly spicy finish.

Food pairings for Barbaresco DOCG 'Rabaja'' 2021 - Giuseppe Cortese

This Barbaresco pairs wonderfully with structured and flavourful dishes. Perfect for:

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Feathered or furred game
• Aged hard cheeses
• Traditional Piedmontese dishes, such as brasato al Barbaresco or tajarin with meat ragù

It is a wine that accompanies convivial moments as well as special dinners, where it can be the absolute protagonist of the meal.

Storage and aging: how to store Barbaresco DOCG 'Rabaja'' 2021 - Giuseppe Cortese wine

To best appreciate its evolution, it is essential to store the bottle horizontally, in a dark environment, free from vibrations and with a constant temperature of around 14-16°C. The Barbaresco DOCG 'Rabaja'' 2021 - Giuseppe Cortese is a long-lived wine: it can age in the bottle for over 15 years, developing increasingly refined complexity and nuances over time. Before serving, it is advisable to oxygenate it in a decanter for a few minutes, to enhance all its aromatic and gustatory qualities.