Name: Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabaja 2022 750ml
Brand: Giuseppe Cortese
SKU: 1013890
Price: 67.93 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 93.8 (4 reviews)

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Winery Giuseppe Cortese

Shop all from Giuseppe Cortese Learn more about this producer

Varietal Nebbiolo

The Nebbiolo grape varietal is widely understood to be the fruit responsible for Italy's finest aged wines. However, its popularity and reliability as a grape which gives out outstanding flavors and aromas has led it to be planted in many countries around the world, with much success. These purple grapes are distinguishable by the fact that they take on a milky dust as they begin to reach maturity, leading many to claim that this is the reason for their unusual name, which means 'fog' in Italian. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines which have a wide range of beautiful and fascinating flavors, the most common of which are rich, dark and complex, such as violet, truffle, tobacco and prunes. They are generally aged for many years to balance out their characteristics, as their natural tannin levels tend to be very high.

Country Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region Piedmont

Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.

Appellation Barbaresco

Barbaresco, a jewel within Italy’s Piedmont region, is an illustrious wine appellation celebrated for its exceptional Nebbiolo wines. Nestled alongside the Tanaro River, its unique terroir, characterized by marl and calcareous soils, imparts a distinct finesse to the grapes. What sets Barbaresco apart is the Nebbiolo grape’s expression—marked by elegant tannins and a captivating balance between power and grace. The region’s temperate climate and significant diurnal temperature variation enhance the grape’s aromatic complexity. Barbaresco wines, with their notes of red berries, roses, and earth, offer a refined alternative to the robust Barolo. Recognized for their approachability in youth yet capable of impressive aging, Barbaresco exemplifies the artistry of Piedmontese winemaking, inviting enthusiasts to savor the rich tapestry of flavors and the inherent elegance of Nebbiolo.

DC 95pts

Decanter

With all due respect to the estate Barbaresco, the flagship Rabajà bottling rightly boasts greater concentration, density and richer fruit given its mostly southwest exposure and warmer microclimate. At the same time, it retains absolute purity and balance. Limpid scents of raspberry, crushed allspice and mint blossom captivate. The palate demonstrates tension and textural depth with a mineral sensation simmering under the succulent dark berry core. The tannins are ripe but give a properly assertive grip. I remember walking through Rabajà in early October 2022, and the estate was one of the few that still had grapes on the vines. Clearly their decision to wait paid off.

WS 94pts

Wine Spectator

There are two faces to this Barbaresco: On one hand, there’s a core of cherry and plum fruit; on the other, there are tar, eucalyptus and iron flavors. Together, this makes for a compelling red, with flashes of hay and menthol for good measure. Offers fine grip and length. Best from 2030 through 2047.

JD 94pts

Jeb Dunnuck

Pouring a pale ruby red hue, the current release of the 2022 Barbaresco Rabaja' is in some ways a similar vintage to 2023. Sunny and fresh, the nose reveals pretty and delicate spiced notes of cinnamon, cranberries, hints of darker fruit, and stony earth. Medium bodied, it has refreshing and approachable levity. I love where this is already, and it should have no problem drinking its best over the next 10-12 years. Drink 2026-2038. 17,000 bottles were produced.

VM 92pts

Vinous Media

The 2022 Barbaresco exhibits a youthful ruby red hue and is expressive in its perfume of dried strawberries, potpourri, hints of leather, and fresh lavender. Medium-bodied, it’s approachable and juicy upfront, with its more savory notes coming through the mid-palate, along with zesty notes of orange peel and dried earth. It’s a charming and well-managed Barbaresco in this intensely dry vintage and retains its freshness very nicely. Drink 2025-2035.

Winery Notes

Unfiltered to preserve its richness, this remarkably elegant Barbaresco offers concentrated aromas of raspberries, roses, violets, leather and spice. Full-bodied with robust flavor and firm tannins.