Giuseppe Cortese

The Giuseppe Cortese estate overlooks Rabajà, a magnificent natural amphitheatre of vines rising above the Tanaro River in the hills of Barbaresco. The Cortese family have cultivated land here for generations, but it was Giuseppe who recognised the true potential of their vineyards at a time when Barbaresco remained overshadowed by neighbouring Barolo.

Encouraged by his father, Giacomo, Giuseppe began reshaping the family estate and released his first Barbaresco under the Cortese name in 1971. At its heart was Rabajà, now regarded as one of Barbaresco’s greatest crus. Over time, the family acquired four hectares of this celebrated hillside, making them its largest individual landowner.

Today, Giuseppe’s work is continued by his children, Pier Carlo and Tiziana, alongside Tiziana’s husband, Gabriele. Their small cellar sits among the vines, looking across the rolling Langhe hills. Traditional in spirit but never resistant to progress, the family remains devoted to the patient cultivation of Rabajà and to preserving the distinctive character of this remarkable corner of Piedmont.