{"product_id":"giuseppe-cortese-barbaresco-rabaja-1998","title":"Giuseppe Cortese, Barbaresco Rabaja 1998","description":"\u003cp\u003eGiuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà 1998 is a beautifully mature expression from one of Barbaresco’s most revered single vineyards. Sourced from the famed Rabajà cru, this wine captures the grace and power that make great Nebbiolo so compelling. With over two decades of careful cellaring, it now offers a seamless balance of evolved complexity, structure and elegance.\n\nRabajà’s southwest exposure and calcareous marl soils give Nebbiolo both depth and finesse, making it ideal for long aging. This 1998 – from a highly regarded vintage in Piemonte – was crafted in a traditional style and raised in large Slavonian oak casks, resulting in a classic, terroir-driven Barbaresco that speaks clearly of its place and time. Today it stands as a benchmark example of mature Barbaresco from one of the appellation’s historic producers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 1998 Rabajà shows a developed garnet hue with brick-orange reflections at the rim, a hallmark of well-aged Nebbiolo. The core retains good intensity, framed by a delicate translucency that hints at both refinement and evolution.\n\nThe nose is complex and layered, opening with dried rose petals and potpourri, followed by mature red cherry and sour cherry fruit. Balsamic undertones mingle with leather, tobacco leaf and forest floor, while subtle notes of truffle, dried herbs and spice emerge with air. There is a distinctly savory, autumnal character that only time in bottle can bring.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is silky and harmonious, with tannins that have mellowed into a fine, powdery texture while still providing underlying grip and structure. Flavors of dried cherry, red currant and blood orange are interwoven with hints of cedar, worn leather, licorice and earthy minerality. The acidity is vibrant yet integrated, giving the wine lift and freshness despite its age. The finish is long and persistent, unfolding with layers of spice, balsamic notes and stony nuances that continue to evolve in the glass.\n\nAt this stage, the 1998 is fully in its drinking window, offering mature complexity and elegance. While it can still hold for a few more years under ideal cellaring conditions, it is best enjoyed now to appreciate the full spectrum of tertiary aromas and flavors that have developed over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRabajà is one of Barbaresco’s most celebrated crus, situated on southwest-facing slopes with calcareous marl soils that naturally limit yields and concentrate flavor. This combination of exposure and soil gives Nebbiolo excellent ripeness, firm structure and a pronounced mineral backbone. In 1998, stable growing conditions with warm days and cool nights allowed for optimal phenolic maturity, resulting in grapes with deep fruit character and balanced acidity.\n\nGiuseppe Cortese harvested the Nebbiolo grapes by hand at optimal ripeness, ensuring careful selection of only the best clusters. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, a nod to precision and cleanliness in the cellar, while the overall approach remained firmly traditional. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine was aged for approximately 22–24 months in large Slavonian oak casks, which impart subtle oxygenation and gentle refinement without overt wood flavors. This was followed by extended bottle aging prior to release, allowing the tannins to soften and the complex bouquet to develop fully – a key factor in the wine’s current harmony and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis mature Barbaresco is an exceptional partner for classic Piedmontese cuisine and richly flavored dishes. It pairs beautifully with braised meats such as brasato al Barolo, ossobuco, slow-cooked lamb shanks or veal cheeks, as well as game birds and roasted duck. Earthy dishes featuring porcini mushrooms, truffle risotto, polenta with wild mushrooms, or aged hard cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, mature Pecorino) will echo the wine’s savory, tertiary complexity.\n\nServe at around 18 °C to allow the aromatics to fully express themselves. Decanting is strongly recommended for 1–2 hours before serving; this helps the wine open up and shed any remaining bottle reduction, while also allowing sediment to remain in the bottle. Use large Burgundy or Nebbiolo glasses to showcase the wine’s delicate perfume, evolving complexity and refined texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiuseppe Cortese is a traditional Barbaresco estate with deep roots in the region and a particular reputation for its work in the Rabajà cru. Based in the heart of Barbaresco, the family has long cultivated these prized hillsides, focusing on classic expressions of Nebbiolo that highlight purity of fruit, structure and a clear sense of place. Over the years, Cortese has become closely associated with Rabajà, helping to cement the vineyard’s status as one of Barbaresco’s top sites.\n\nThe winery’s philosophy is grounded in respect for tradition: careful vineyard work, hand harvesting, and a preference for long aging in large Slavonian oak casks rather than heavily toasted barriques. This approach has earned Giuseppe Cortese a loyal following among enthusiasts who seek authentic, ageworthy Barbaresco with a distinctive, terroir-driven identity. Wines such as the 1998 Rabajà underline the estate’s ability to produce bottles that not only express their vintage and origin, but also evolve beautifully with time in the cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giuseppe Cortese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256134357329,"sku":"EOW-GIUSEC-RØDV-1998-075","price":174.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/a2a784ce-690c-46df-a07b-58b4697cc03c_jpg.jpg?v=1783462848","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/giuseppe-cortese-barbaresco-rabaja-1998","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}