Giuseppe Cortese, Barbaresco Rabaja Riserva 2006

Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva 2006 is a benchmark expression of one of Barbaresco’s greatest crus, captured in a classic, long-lived vintage. Sourced from the famed south-west–facing Rabajà vineyard, this Riserva showcases Nebbiolo at full maturity, with remarkable precision, depth and aging potential. Traditional in style yet beautifully polished, it offers a textbook example of how power and elegance can coexist in top-tier Barbaresco.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2006 Rabajà Riserva shows a deep garnet core with brick-orange hues forming at the rim, a clear sign of its graceful evolution. The nose is complex and layered: ripe morello cherry, dried red berries and blood orange intertwine with rose petals, violet, dried flowers, balsamic notes, leather, sweet tobacco and a hint of truffle and undergrowth. On the palate, this is an intense, full-bodied Barbaresco with great drive and definition. The tannins are still firm yet refined and silky, beautifully integrated after years of bottle age, while a vibrant, mouthwatering acidity keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Flavors of macerated cherry, plum, dried fig, licorice and spice unfold into nuances of cedar, savory herbs and mineral tones from the Rabajà terroir. The finish is very long, persistent and savory, with a lingering impression of fine tannin, forest floor and subtle dried herbs. Already in a wonderful drinking window, it still has the structure and concentration to evolve further over the coming years if cellared carefully.

Production
Rabajà is one of Barbaresco’s most celebrated crus, a steep, south-west–facing slope in the heart of the DOCG with calcareous marl and limestone-rich soils that naturally limit yields and intensify Nebbiolo’s aromatic profile. The vineyard benefits from warm, sun-drenched days and cool nights, allowing slow, even ripening and a perfect balance of sugar, acidity and tannin. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimum maturity, with strict selection both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation follows traditional Piedmontese methods, with an extended maceration on the skins to extract color, tannin and complex aromatics. The wine is then aged for around 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks, which respect the purity of the fruit and terroir, followed by a lengthy period of bottle aging before release to allow the structure to harmonize and the bouquet to fully develop.

Food & Serving
This Barbaresco Riserva is a superb partner for rich, savory dishes such as brasato al Barolo (wine-braised beef), slow-cooked lamb shank, osso buco, game birds, truffle risotto, porcini mushroom dishes and aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Pecorino. Serve at 16–18 °C to highlight its complexity and finesse. For optimal expression, decant 2–3 hours before serving to allow the bouquet to open and the tannins to soften, especially if the bottle has been stored for many years in the cellar.

Producer
The Cortese family has been cultivating vines in Barbaresco for generations, with the modern estate of Giuseppe Cortese emerging as a reference point for traditional, terroir-driven Nebbiolo. Based in the historic Rabajà cru, the winery has built its reputation on wines that faithfully reflect the character of this exceptional hillside, combining classic winemaking with meticulous vineyard work. Giuseppe Cortese and his family have long been regarded as guardians of an authentic Barbaresco style—favoring large Slavonian oak, extended aging and minimal intervention—earning them a loyal following among collectors and Nebbiolo purists worldwide.

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