2022 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy

ABOUT THE WINE

Cortese’s 2022 Barbaresco is made entirely from Nebbiolo, blending fruit from Trifolera with younger vines in Rabajà. It offers an approachable expression of the family’s home territory while retaining Barbaresco’s characteristic perfume and structure. The estate’s parcels for this cuvée occupy south- and southwest-facing slopes with layered limestone and clay soils.

Grapes are harvested by hand. The estate describes approximately 30 days of fermentation, followed by 18 months in large, seasoned Slavonian oak casks and at least six months in bottle. Used wood allows the tannins to settle without covering the grape’s aromatic detail in strong new-oak flavors.

The 2022 combines red-cherry fruit with orange peel, rose, spice and subtle menthol notes. Its medium-bodied palate is pliant and welcoming, with a gently persistent floral finish. We suggest mushroom risotto, roast poultry, or pasta with a savory meat ragù, giving the wine’s freshness and Nebbiolo character a complementary setting.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Giuseppe Cortese’s story as an estate bottler began in 1971, when he committed to Barbaresco with encouragement from his father Giacomo and support from his wife Rosella. The family had farmed its small Rabajà vineyard for generations; making and bottling their own wine gave that work a new direction.

The next generation continues the family project: Pier Carlo shapes the wines, while Tiziana and Gabriele contribute to hospitality and the commercial side. Pier Carlo favors spontaneous fermentation and established cellar tools such as concrete and old Slavonian oak. Careful vineyard work and selection remain essential, with the aim of translating the grapes into wine accurately while preserving the individuality of each parcel.