Albino Rocca Cortese 2021

Albino Rocca Cortese is, as far as the estate knows, the only Cortese grown within the boundaries of Barbaresco.

Cortese is Piedmont's best-known white variety, usually associated with Gavi in the south-east of the region, and it is very rarely seen in the Langhe. The Rocca plot runs to one hectare of forty-year-old vines at Montegrosso d'Asti, on clay and limestone soils. Angelo Rocca was a keen student of Burgundy, going so far as to plant Chardonnay at the family's home village of San Rocco Seno d'Elvio, but it is the Cortese that has become the estate's white of note. He believed in low yields and a structured, food-friendly style rather than a light aperitif wine, and his daughters have taken it further. The wine is aged in a mix of stainless steel and mature French oak, with only six months in barrel, which builds texture without leaving obvious wood, and it finishes with a little phenolic grip.

Drink over the next four or five years, with grilled fish, veal or a herby risotto. Serve at 10 to 12°C.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.