The 2001 vintage
Rain and higher than average temperatures in winter and spring led to early budding of the vines, which were partly damaged subsequently by late frosts in April. Summer followed with little rainfall, and a particularly hot and close August and early September. Some rain in the middle of the month slowed down the ripening of the grapes, without compromising their quality.
Vineyard
The Rabajà vineyard (300 m. a.s.l.) is in the commune of Barbaresco, on parcels 317 (planted in 1974), 320p (planted in 1975), 408 and 409p (both planted in 1990) of land registry map sheet V. The total area is 1.23 hectares, all planted with the Nebbiolo variety. The soil is formed by white earth, with a high chalky clay content, and the vineyard faces south-west.

Picking and maceration
The harvest took place by hand on October 1th  to 4 th 2001, with selection of the bunches. The maceration in wooden vats lasted 27 days.

Ageing
The wine was aged for 29 months in large oak casks and 6 months in steel tanks, followed by 12 months in the bottle prior to its release.

Bottling
The wine was bottled without filtration on September 1th 2004, with lot no. L4-245. The total production in the 2001 vintage was: 5188 Albeisa bottles holding 0.75 l., 258 holding 0,50 l., 126 holding 1,50 l.

Tasting notes
Nicely preserved, intense ruby red with thoroughbred orange highlights developing on ageing. This vintage has a beautifully intense nose, with an excellent blend of fruits and spices (nutmeg, tobacco, leather, liquorice) and balsamic freshness. Austere with good length in the mouth, featuring acidity and tannins that still have to evolve.

Analytical data
Alcool, 14% Vol.
Acidità totale, 5,6 g/l
pH, 3,48

Particularitie
The special natural vine-growing qualities of the prestigious area around Barbaresco give this wine exceptional finesse and roundness.