Giuseppe Cortese, Barbaresco Rabaja 1999

Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà 1999 is a beautifully mature expression of Nebbiolo from one of Barbaresco’s most revered crus. Born on the sun-kissed, southwest-facing slopes of Rabajà at around 300 meters altitude, this wine marries depth, power and refinement in classic Piedmontese fashion. From a traditionally crafted, cellar-aged bottle, you’re tasting not just a vintage, but over two decades of patient evolution in the glass.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 1999 Rabajà shows a luminous garnet core with clear brick-orange reflections at the rim, a hallmark of gracefully aged Nebbiolo. The nose is complex and evolved, opening with dried cherries and redcurrant, followed by layers of rose petals, violets, leather, licorice and undergrowth, supported by notes of mushrooms, tobacco and a subtle, savory animal nuance. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, firmly structured Barbaresco that now shows wonderful harmony. The tannins, once youthful and assertive, have melted into a fine, velvety frame, guided by a still-vibrant acidity that keeps the wine fresh and energetic. Flavors echo the nose with dried red fruits, truffle, tobacco, balsamic hints and dried herbs, all carried on a long, mineral-driven finish. The 1999 vintage is known for its longevity, and while this bottle is now in its optimal drinking window with fully developed tertiary aromas, well-stored examples can still offer several more years of rewarding evolution.

Production
Rabajà is one of Barbaresco’s great crus, with marne- and limestone-rich soils packed with minerals and ideal southwest exposure, giving Nebbiolo both ripeness and precision. In 1999, a cool spring, warm summer and stable autumn allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, achieving perfect balance between acidity, tannin and sugar. The Cortese family works traditionally in the vineyards and cellar, harvesting by hand to ensure only the healthiest clusters are brought in. Vinification follows classic Barbaresco methods: a long maceration to draw out color, tannin and aromatic depth, followed by aging for approximately 24–30 months in large Slavonian oak casks, and then extended bottle aging before release. The result is a wine that authentically reflects both its terroir and vintage.

Food & Serving
This mature Barbaresco is a superb partner for rich, savory dishes such as braised beef, ossobuco, roasted lamb, game birds, and classic Piemontese specialties like tajarin with truffle or brasato al Barolo. It also shines alongside aged hard cheeses and dishes featuring mushrooms or truffles, which echo the wine’s earthy, tertiary notes. Serve at around 18°C, and decant 1–2 hours before serving to allow the bouquet to fully unfurl and to gently separate any natural sediment formed during long bottle aging.

Producer
Giuseppe Cortese is a benchmark producer in Barbaresco, with deep roots in the Rabajà cru and a reputation for crafting classically styled, age-worthy Nebbiolo. Based in Piemonte’s Barbaresco DOCG, the family has long championed traditional methods and an uncompromising focus on expressing their exceptional vineyard sites. Their holdings in Rabajà are considered among the finest parcels in the area, and the wines are widely respected for their balance of finesse, structure and longevity. Over the years, Giuseppe Cortese’s Barbarescos have become reference points for enthusiasts seeking authentic, terroir-driven expressions of this historic appellation.

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