Giuseppe Cortese - Barbaresco Rabajà 2020
IN STOCK
$69.00
Cortese is the typical small, family-run winery. Attentive and rigorous care of the estate’s vineyards, strict selection of the best clusters, a traditional approach to vinification, and a touch of modern technique are the ingredients that define the unmistakable personality and unique flavors of Cortese’s wines
The Cortese winery is located in the hamlet of Rabajà, within the prestigious commune of Barbaresco. Just a mile from the ancient town of Barbaresco, along the Via Rabajà, the Cortese winery and family home sit atop the bowl that cradles the Rabajà cru vineyard, one of Barbaresco’s finest single vineyards. On the other side of Cortese’s 20 acres of vines, in the adjacent village of Trifolera, sits its beautiful, newly finished bed & breakfast, with idyllic views of row after row of Nebbiolo stretching below.
is made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes grown in Barbaresco's prestigious Rabajà vineyard, located in the Langhe hills just to the south of Cortese’s winery. To achieve the perfect structural balance, the wine is aged for twenty-two months in seasoned Slavonian oak casks, then bottled and cellared for an additional thirteen months.
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.
"The 2020 Barbaresco Rabaja is a total knock-out. Dark, layered and mysterious, the 2020 is pure seduction. All the elements are so well put together for a young Barbaresco. In 2020 Cortese did not bottle a Riserva, and the addition of that fruit clearly benefits this bottling. Black cherry, kirsch, lavender, spice and dried herbs all build in a super-classic Rabaja that delivers the goods. Don't miss it." - 95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"Dense ruby in the glass, with precise definition of liquorice root, very restrained redcurrant and pomegranate. Parma violet supplies graceful florality. The attack is firm, as expected from a Rabajà, with very refined and integrated acidity. Leafy lightness in style and almost tart fruit flavours, but tannins of great quality. There is a lot of extraction but not too much and great character overall. Fermented in concrete and aged in large Slavonian oak vessels for 24 months. There is great potential for the long haul as is often demonstrated by the estate." - 95 points, Decanter
"Notes of raspberries, blood orange, ground spices and tree bark. Medium-bodied with juicy acidity, polished tannins and vivid red fruit character. Savory and pure with a supple finish and spiced citrus peel undertones to it. Better from 2025." - 94 points, James Suckling
Producer: Giuseppe Cortese
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Appellation: Barbaresco
Vintage: 2020
Size: 750ml