Giuseppe Cortese

Barbaresco

Today, Cortese is the typical small, family-run winery. Attentive and rigorous care of the estate’s vineyards, strict selection of the best clusters, a traditional approach to vinification, and a touch of modern technique are the ingredients that define the unmistakable personality and unique flavors of Cortese’s wines. With an unrivaled understanding of the Nebbiolo grape, profound respect and knowledge of the terroir of Barbaresco, and long-held family traditions, Giuseppe Cortese is able to craft some of Piedmont’s most exceptional wines.

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Wine Production

A mid to long fermentation without addition of yeast; 18 months of aging in used slavonian oak casks.

Tasting Notes

This Barbaresco stands out for its harmonious, well-balanced expression, with a luscious floral-scented bouquet, magisterial structure, and lingering taste. At once crisp and elegant, with a succulent mouthfeelthis superb classic lends itself to immediate enjoyment or to medium/long-term cellaring.

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Wine Production

A mid to long fermentation without addition of yeast; 18 months of aging in used slavonian oak casks.

Tasting Notes

Brand Materials

Tech Sheet Bottle Shot Acclaim

POINTS

“Camphor, rose and red berry aromas shape the enticing nose on this savory red. The linear, structured palate is all about finesse, featuring ripe Morello cherry, crushed strawberry and star anise alongside taut, polished tannins and fresh acidity.”

POINTS

“This has a vibrant nose of wild strawberry and violet, and a great depth of balsamic notes and mint chocolate. Red fruits are wrapped up in bracing tannins, alongside refreshing acidity and a savoury character.”

POINTS

“Pretty nose of wild red fruit, fresh nuts and flowers. A tinge of orange rind rounds it off nicely. Medium-bodied with well-placed nebbiolo acidity and lightly firm tannins that do little to impede the overall freshness. Good, balanced length. This is in a good place now, but will be even better from 2023.”

James Suckling

POINTS

“The 2018 Barbaresco shows a slightly sweet side with dried plum or cherry confit. But there is a tart fruit and savory side as well that veers toward grilled rosemary, spice and iron ore. These unfold quickly as the wine takes on more air in the glass. These results are accessible and very pretty. The wine awards you a straight-shooting expression of Barbaresco that is balanced and proper.”

POINTS

“The 2018 Barbaresco us a pretty, understated wine. Dark cherry, plum, spice, lavender, mocha and orange zest open effortlessly in the glass. The 2018 balances lovely fruit expression and textural depth in a soft, quiet style that is hugely appealing.”

POINTS

“The 2018 Barbaresco is fruity and easy to like; all of which make it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade. Sweet red berry fruit and floral notes are laced together in this translucent, enticing Barbaresco from Cortese. The 2018 is not terribly complex, but it is well balanced and harmonious from start to finish.”

POINTS

“Round and red-fruited, with a midweight frame and lightly raspy tannins, this Barbaresco is drinking well now and is a good choice for by-the-glass lists.”– (Best Buy)

Vineyard & Production Info

Production area/appellation:

Barbaresco DOCG

Vineyard name:

Rabaja

Vineyard size:

1.5 hectares acres

Soil composition:

calcareous with clay

Training method:

guyot

Elevation:

270 mslm feet

Exposure:

south/southwest

Year vineyard planted:

1990-2005

Harvest time:

October

First vintage of this wine:

2017

Bottles produced of this wine:

10,000

Average Vine Age:

25 years

Winemaking & Aging

Maceration length:

20-25 days

Fermentation container:

concrete tanks

Maceration technique:

pump over

Malolactic fermentation:

yes

Fining agent:

none

Type of aging container:

oak

Size of aging container:

16-26 hl

Type of oak:

Slavonian

Length of aging before bottling:

18 months

Age of Aging Container:

10-15 years

Length of bottle aging:

7 months minimum

Total SO2:

Analytical Data

pH level:

3.5

Acidity:

6 g/L

Alcohol:

14.1 %

Dry extract:

31 g/L

Total SO2:

Residual sugar:

<1 g/L

About the Vineyard

Contrary to how it may appear when seen from a distance, the Rabajà hill is anything but homogeneous and can be broadly divided into at least two areas. The first bordering on Asili coincides with the picturesque amphitheatre overlooking the Martinenga cru, and mostly enjoys a south-westerly aspect. The second, on the other hand, is more linear and faces due south, though within it there are some evident variations due to marked undulations around the hillside. In both cases, the style of the wine is however richer and bolder than the Asili and Martinenga (although a more uncompromising, mineral character tends to emerge in the second area).

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