Produttori del Barbaresco 'Rabaja' Riserva 2014

Vinous 96
"The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is powerful, dense and explosive, with tremendous intensity of fruit and structure. The Rabajà is dark and potent- as all these wines are - but the tannins and acids give the wine considerable tension and energy. The Rabajà is a powerful, towering wine endowed with massive structure and intensity to burn. Like so many of these wines, the Rabajà
is somber and brooding in feel."~AG

"The 12.5 acre vineyard is located where the two ridges of Barbaresco meet. A brother wine to Muncagota, this vineyard has a slightly warmer microclimate. Rabajà enjoys a southwestern exposition that gives the vines access to the sun throughout the afternoon. Considered a quintessential Barbaresco, this wine is well-rounded, exhibiting elegance and power, as well as, tannins and fruit. The first vintage of Rabajà was produced in 1970. Ruby red color. The bouquet shows red fruit notes. On the palate it is elegant and complex with silky tannins and dark fruit on the finish. Pairs well with fresh egg pastas, risottos, white meats, red meats, venison and cheeses. 14,000 bottles produced."~Winery Notes

Founded in 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the only way small properties could survive was by joining their efforts, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco. From its humble beginnings making the first three vintages in the church basement, Produttori del Barbaresco has grown to a 52 member co-operative with 250 acres of Nebbiolo vineyards in the Barbaresco appellation and an annual production of over 500,000 bottles. Its vineyards amount to almost 1/6 of the vineyards of the area. Each member is in full control of their land, growing Nebbiolo grapes with the skill and dedication they have honed over generations.
Playing a key role in elevating the quality level of Barbaresco over the years, Produttori del Barbaresco produces a simpler Nebbiolo Langhe, a Barbaresco blend and nine single vineyard wines produced in premier vineyards: Asili, Rabajà, Pora, Montestefano, Ovello, Pajè, Montefico, Muncagota and Rio Sordo.