Description
History
Giuseppe Cortese is a historic family estate in the village of Barbaresco, founded in 1971 and now managed by Pier Carlo Cortese and his daughter Tiziana. This classic Barbaresco comes from approximately 1.5 hectares of south- and southwest-facing vineyards planted on mineral-rich limestone and clay soils. In vintages where some parcels are not selected for the prestigious Rabajà bottling, their fruit is used for this wine, faithfully expressing the elegance and character of the appellation.
Grape variety
100% Nebbiolo.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested entirely by hand. Fermentation lasts around 30 days with extended skin maceration. The wine is then aged for 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks (17–25 hectolitres), followed by at least 6 months of bottle ageing before release. This traditional ageing regimen preserves the purity of Nebbiolo and the expression of the terroir.
Alcohol content
14%.
Tasting notes
Bright garnet red in colour. The bouquet opens with aromas of cherry, raspberry, dried violet and rose petals, gradually evolving into notes of sweet spices, liquorice, tobacco and forest floor. The palate is elegant, structured and mineral, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, savoury finish that reflects the classic style of Barbaresco.
Food pairings
Ideal with tajarin pasta with meat ragù, braised beef, roast meats, game, lamb, porcini mushrooms, white truffle and mature cheeses. Its structure and finesse also make it an excellent wine for long-term cellaring.
