Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja Riserva 2017

Produttori del Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva 2017 is a benchmark Barbaresco from one of the appellation’s most revered crus and its most iconic cooperative estate. Sourced exclusively from the steep Rabajà vineyard, this Riserva captures Nebbiolo’s power, perfume and precision in a single, beautifully defined wine. From the warm 2017 vintage, it delivers remarkable concentration while staying true to the classical, age-worthy style that Produttori is famous for.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Rabajà Riserva shows a luminous garnet core with brick-tinged edges, typical of Nebbiolo even in its youth. The nose is intensely focused and layered: dark cherry, redcurrant and sour plum unfold alongside notes of rose petal, dried violets, anise, sweet and savory spices, and a striking hint of blood orange and citrus zest. Subtle tones of tobacco, leather and earthy minerality emerge with air, adding depth and complexity. On the palate, this is a powerful yet finely etched Barbaresco, with firm, ripe tannins and a vibrant spine of acidity that drives the wine from entry through the long, resonant finish. Flavors of black cherry, cranberry, wild strawberry and red plum mingle with notes of licorice, orange peel, iron, and warm spice. Despite the warmth of the vintage, the wine remains beautifully balanced, combining richness with clarity and lift. This is a Rabajà built for the long haul: while already compelling with sufficient aeration, it will gain nuance and harmony over 10–20 years and likely beyond in a proper cellar.

Production
Rabajà is one of Barbaresco’s most celebrated crus, a southwest-facing amphitheater of steep slopes just above the village of Barbaresco, with calcareous marl soils that yield wines of pronounced structure, perfume and longevity. Produttori del Barbaresco farms the site traditionally, harvesting the Nebbiolo grapes by hand to ensure optimal ripeness and careful selection in the vineyard. In line with the domaine’s classicist philosophy, the wine is vinified in stainless steel or concrete with extended maceration to extract tannin and aromatic complexity, then aged for several years in large neutral Slavonian oak botti before further refinement in bottle. The result is a wine that speaks clearly of place and vintage, without intrusive oak or cosmetic winemaking.

Food & Serving
This Rabajà Riserva shines alongside rich, savory dishes that can meet its structure and complexity: think braised veal shank (osso buco), butter- and sage-laced tajarin, wild mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, game birds, roasted lamb, or aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and mature Pecorino. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Nebbiolo stems to allow the aromatics to fully unfurl. Decanting is strongly recommended in its youth—give it 2–3 hours now to soften the tannins and open the bouquet; as it matures, a gentle 60-minute decant will suffice to remove sediment and awaken the wine.

Producer
Founded in 1958 by visionary local priest Don Fiorino Marengo and a small group of growers, Produttori del Barbaresco has become one of the world’s great cooperatives and a cornerstone of the Barbaresco appellation. Today it represents dozens of member growers farming many of the region’s top crus, producing wines that routinely rival—and often surpass—those of prestigious private estates. The winery is especially celebrated for its single-vineyard Riserva bottlings from nine historic crus, including Rabajà, which are released only in the best vintages and are considered reference points for traditional, long-lived Barbaresco. Their unwavering commitment to classic methods, transparent terroir expression and fair grower relations has earned Produttori del Barbaresco a reputation as one of Piedmont’s most dependable and acclaimed producers.

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