Viniou Reviews
The 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva from Produttori del Barbaresco epitomises the grace and depth characteristic of the appellation. Crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo, this wine comes from one of Barbaresco’s most revered crus, Rabajà, renowned for its prime exposure and historical reputation for producing age-worthy, complex wines. The 2019 vintage is notable for its early budburst and balanced ripening period, resulting in wines of clarity and expressiveness. The vinification follows traditional practices: lengthy maceration and ageing in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing Nebbiolo’s intrinsic character – its floral scents, taut structure, and vibrant acidity – to express itself without overt wood influence. In the glass, the Rabajà Riserva reveals layers of rose petal, dried cherry, tobacco, truffle, and underbrush, upheld by fine, persistent tannins and a mineral-laced finish.
The Piedmont region, and particularly the Barbaresco zone, benefits from a continental climate moderated by the Tanaro River. Warm summers and foggy autumns prolong the growing season, which is ideal for Nebbiolo’s slow maturation. The soils of Rabajà are a mix of calcareous marl and clay, endowing the wines with both perfume and puissance. Winegrowing here is deeply interwoven with the region’s culture since Roman times, with Produttori del Barbaresco notable for its cooperative model that unites the efforts of small growers to produce world-class, terroir-driven wines.
This Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva shines alongside traditional Piedmontese dishes such as braised beef in Barolo, tajarin pasta with white truffle, or game birds in a mushroom sauce. Its tannic backbone and layered palate also complement hearty fare like osso buco or mature cheeses such as Castelmagno. For poultry, consider duck breast with cherry reduction, which will echo the wine’s fruit character.
Serve at 16-18°C to best appreciate its aromas and finesse. Decanting for one to two hours is advisable, especially in its youth, to allow the bouquet to unfurl and the tannins to integrate. The 2019 vintage promises rewarding drinking over the coming decade or longer for those patient enough to cellar it.
