Produttori del Barbaresco - Barbaresco 'Rabaja' Riserva 2020

Introduction

This red wine originates from the Barbaresco region in Piedmont, Italy, produced within the renowned Rabaja subregion. Founded in 1958, the Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative was established by 19 local growers under the guidance of the village priest to protect the identity and quality of their Nebbiolo grapes. The winery operates on a philosophy of communal excellence, managing 100 hectares of prime vineyards to create wines that serve as a benchmark for the appellation.

Wine Description

The 2020 Barbaresco Rabaja Riserva presents a deep, youthful ruby red colour that often edges toward garnet. The complex nose is dark and explosive, offering intense aromas of forest berry, new leather, dark spice, ripe cherry, and underbrush, balanced by highlights of fresh mint and dusty earth. On the palate, this full-bodied wine is rich and powerful, delivering succulent flavours of black raspberry, plum, licorice, tar, and cloves. It is characterized by its enormous energy, streamlined mouthfeel, and firm, dusty tannins that lead into a long, persistent finish. This 100% Nebbiolo wine has an ABV of 14.5%. While it will require a measure of patience to integrate, the optimal drinking window is estimated from 2026 through 2050.

Accolades

• Jeb Dunnuck - 98 points

• Vinous - 97 points

• Wine Advocate - 95 points

• Wine Spectator - 95 points

• Decanter - 93 points

Food Pairing

The wine's robust structure and velvety tannic texture pair excellently with fresh egg pasta dishes such as tajarin with truffles or rich risotto. It is also a suitable match for roasted leg of lamb with rosemary, braised beef cheek, and wild game such as venison. For cheese courses, it complements matured and spicy hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Vintage Quality

The 2020 vintage in Barbaresco is considered exceptional, featuring a balanced growing season that avoided extreme heat spikes. Consistent warm weather in August combined with cooler temperatures in September allowed for regular, even ripening and the development of deep fruit concentration.