# Barbaresco Rabajà (2020)

- **Producer:** Cascina Luisin
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €58
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** rose, black pepper, red plum, black cherry, liquorice, leather, dried fruit, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Cascina Luisin Barbaresco Rabajà 2020 is a 100% Nebbiolo wine from the Barbaresco DOCG appellation in Piedmont, Italy. The estate, founded in 1913 by Luigi Minuto, is now managed by the fourth generation, Roberto Minuto. The wine originates from the historic Rabajà cru, known for its south-west facing slopes and calcareous soil, which contribute to the slow ripening of the Nebbiolo grapes. The winemaking philosophy at Cascina Luisin prioritizes traditional methods and minimal intervention to express the vineyard's true character. The 2020 vintage is characterized by ripe fruit, balanced acidity, and refined tannins, suggesting good aging potential.

## Interesting facts

- The winery is located within the prestigious Rabajà cru.
- Vineyards average 45 years old.
- Winemaking emphasizes indigenous yeasts.
- The 2020 vintage is compared to the highly-regarded 2016.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm tannins and full body are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats, while its acidity cuts through fatty elements. Earthy notes in the wine can echo savory flavors in dishes, and its structure can stand up to robust sauces and slow-cooked preparations.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Cascina Luisin Barbaresco Rabajà 2020 begins with hand-harvested grapes in mid-October. Fermentation takes place in cement tanks for around 40 days, employing indigenous yeasts and a combination of energetic racking and softer pump-overs for extended skin contact. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks (botti). The estate utilizes traditional viticultural practices, including the use of natural manure, and emphasizes minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process to highlight the characteristics of the Rabajà vineyard.