Giuseppe Cortese, Barbera D'Alba Morassina 2017

Giuseppe Cortese Barbera d'Alba Morassina 2017 is a richly textured, expressive Barbera from one of the most respected family producers in Barbaresco. Sourced from the renowned Morassina vineyard in the heart of Piemonte, it combines ripe, concentrated fruit with vibrant acidity and a refined touch of oak. This cuvée highlights the Cortese family’s commitment to classic, terroir-driven winemaking and the authentic character of Barbera d’Alba.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Morassina shows a deep, luminous ruby-red hue with violet highlights at the rim. The nose opens with intense aromas of ripe cherries, dark plums and blackcurrants, layered with notes of violets, licorice, gentle sweet spice and a subtle earthy, mineral undertone. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and generous, yet finely balanced by Barbera’s hallmark fresh acidity. Juicy red and black fruits are supported by polished, rounded tannins and a discreet frame of Slavonian oak that adds complexity without dominating. The finish is long and fruit-driven, with lingering notes of cherry, herbal spice and a faint hint of almond. Drinking beautifully now for its lush fruit and energy, it also has the structure and acidity to evolve gracefully for a further 5–6 years, developing more savory, tertiary nuances with time in bottle.

Production
The Morassina vineyard sits on classic Piemontese soils of calcareous marl, a limestone-rich subsoil that imparts both firmness of structure and a marked mineral tension to the wine. The 2017 growing season was warm and sunny with naturally reduced yields, resulting in grapes of notable concentration and depth. Harvesting is carried out by hand to ensure that only perfectly healthy, optimally ripe Barbera clusters make it to the winery. Vinification follows traditional Piedmont methods: temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel to preserve a pure, precise fruit profile, followed by 12 months of maturation in large Slavonian oak casks. A brief period of bottle aging prior to release allows the components to knit together, adding harmony and complexity while keeping the grape’s lively character intact.

Food & Serving
This Barbera d’Alba is a versatile partner at the table, pairing beautifully with rich pasta dishes such as ragù alla bolognese, risotto with mushrooms, grilled or roasted meats, and classic Piemontese specialties like vitello tonnato, brasato al Barolo and aged cheeses. Serve at 16–18 °C to highlight both its vibrant acidity and generous fruit. Decanting for 30–45 minutes is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the aromas to fully open and the tannins to soften, revealing the wine’s depth and savory complexity.

Producer
Giuseppe Cortese is a traditional, family-run estate based in the heart of Barbaresco, renowned for crafting elegant, terroir-focused wines that faithfully reflect the hills of Piemonte. Since the 1970s, the Cortese family has quietly built a reputation for excellence, particularly with their single-vineyard expressions and classic, ageworthy reds. Working with sustainably minded, low-intervention practices in the vineyard and restrained, time-honored methods in the cellar, they have become a benchmark for authentic Piemontese winemaking. Their Barbera d’Alba Morassina stands alongside their Barbaresco wines as a reference point for purity, balance and regional character in the Langhe.

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