2020 Bruno Rocca Barbaresco ‘Rabaja’, Piemonte – buy online

WHO?

Bruno Rocca took over the family business from his father in 1978. Before this, Bruno worked for Ferrero Rocher in Alba, as the family farm could not support more than one family by selling its grapes. After taking over, he began bottling the wine and soon established himself as one of the top producers in Barbaresco, largely thanks to his vineyards on the esteemed Rabajà hill. Today, Bruno runs the 15-hectare estate with his daughter Luisa and son Francesco, producing about 65,000 bottles in total.

WHERE?

Purchased by Bruno Rocca’s father, this vineyard is located in the Rabajà Cru, in the village of Barbaresco. It was planted in 1964 and completed in 1978. The Nebbiolo vines are southwest-facing and planted on tufaceous clay, marl, and limestone soils. The vineyard is situated on a steep slope, at an altitude between 260 and 315 meters, with vines approximately 50 to 60 years old.

WHY?

The grapes are hand-harvested before undergoing a second selection at the winery prior to destemming. Crushing is done in a pneumatic press, and the resulting must undergoes fermentation in 50-hectoliter stainless steel tanks for approximately 20-25 days. Finally, the wine spends 12-14 months in French oak barrels where malolactic fermentation naturally concludes.