Albino Rocca Cortese 2023

Albino Rocca Cortese is the only Cortese grown inside the boundaries of Barbaresco.

Cortese is far better known from Gavi, on the other side of Piedmont, so a bottling grown in Barbaresco is a genuine curiosity. Angelo Rocca was a committed Burgundy drinker and went as far as planting Chardonnay in the family's home village of San Rocco Seno d'Elvio, but it is the Cortese that has held the estate's attention. He always wanted a structured, food-friendly white from low yields rather than a light aperitif style, and his family has pushed that further, adding texture and a savoury, mineral cast. The fruit comes from a 1980s planting in the Ronchi cru and a younger parcel at Meruzzano planted in 2014. Fermentation is in stainless steel, after which the wine matures in French oak and rests on lees in barrel, which builds the mid-palate without leaving obvious wood.

Ready on release and good over two or three years; serve at 10–12°C with vitello tonnato, grilled prawns or a herbed roast chicken.

*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.