PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Riserva Rabaja Barbaresco 2019

THE WINERY – PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO

The History.

Before 1894, Nebbiolo grapes where sold to make Barolo wine or simply labeled «Nebbiolo di Barbaresco». But in 1894, Domizio Cavazza, headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba and a Barbaresco resident, created the first cooperative, the «Cantine Sociali», by gathering together nine Barbaresco vineyard owners to make wine in the local castle that he owned. He understood well the differences between the same grape, the Nebbiolo, grown in the different areas of Barolo and Barbaresco and, for the first time, recognized it on the wine label.

The «Cantine Sociali» was closed in the 1930’s because of fascist economic rules. In 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the only way the small properties could survive was by joining their efforts, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco.

United once again, the small growers continued the work started by Domizio Cavazza, producing only Barbaresco wine and enhancing both the reputation of the wine and the village.

The winery

The Produttori del Barbaresco, founded in 1958, now has 51 members and controls more than 100 hectares (250 acres) of premium Nebbiolo vineyards in Barbaresco. Each family is in full control of its land, growing Nebbiolo grapes with centuries old skill and dedication. The vinery produces a Barbaresco D.O.C.G., a blend of Nebbiolo grapes harvested from different vineyards, and a simpler Nebbiolo Langhe suited for earlier consumption.

BARBARESCO Rabaja

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Riserva Rabaja Barbaresco 2019. The Produttori del Barbaresco, founded in 1958, now has 51 members and controls more than 100 hectares (250 acres) of premium Nebbiolo vineyards in Barbaresco. Each family is in full control of its land, growing Nebbiolo grapes with centuries old skill and dedication. The vinery produces a Barbaresco D.O.C.G., a blend of Nebbiolo grapes harvested from different vineyards, and a simpler Nebbiolo Langhe suited for earlier consumption.

Vineyard: Rabaja
Soil: limestone and clay, rich in calcium with sandy veins
Food matches: fresh egg-pasta dishes, risotto, white and red meat, game.

Tasting notes

• Colour: deep ruby red
• Scent: elegant fruity notes of berries, plum and cherry with hints of spicy pepper and vanilla
• Taste: intense and delicate, with good freshness and pleasant persistence

VINTAGE 2019

The growing season began slowly due to the prolonged winter season, which lasted until February, resulting in a delayed spring season, which led to a period of rain and low temperatures until mid-March. Nevertheless, the vegetative recovery was regular: the abundant rains of April caused a slow start, but also led to significant soil water accumulation, compensating for the scarce winter precipitation. Unstable weather with moderate average temperatures continued throughout May, confirming a delay of about two weeks compared to recent years, but in line with a more traditional growth pattern.

Temperatures

The high temperatures of June, combined with the availability of soil water, created the conditions for rapid vegetative growth, requiring great attention from winemakers to mitigate potential phytosanitary problems. The hottest period of the season occurred between the last week of June and the first of July, followed by days of milder temperatures alternating with rain. The second heat wave of the summer began at the end of July, culminating in thunderstorms, some of which were intense but not harmful to the vines. The remainder of the summer season was characterized by mild weather with sporadic and regular rainfall.

The Harvest

September was a mixed but positive month for the ripening of the Nebbiolo grapes. The first week was rather cold and gray, the second perfect with clear skies and good temperature ranges between day and night, the third week generally warm, and the end of the month and the beginning of October were again ideal with warm days and cool nights.

Contiene solfiti