Bruno Rocca Barbaresco Rabaja 2022

Critical acclaim: 95 pts Decanter, 94 pts Vinous Media, 93 pts James Suckling

About the Winery: The Rocca family’s roots in Barbaresco date back to 1834, with 19th-century notary documents identifying ancestor Francesco Rocca as “a farmer born and living in Barbaresco.” By the mid-1800s, the family co-owned houses, vineyards, and slopes within the township.

In 1958, the family’s story became closely tied to Rabajà, one of Barbaresco’s most celebrated crus, when Francesco Rocca moved from the center of Barbaresco to the southern edge of the vineyard. Long recognized for producing exceptional Nebbiolo, Rabajà has been prized for generations.

In 1978, Francesco Bruno “Bruno” Rocca began bottling wines under the family name, transforming the estate’s direction. He modernized the vineyards and cellar while shifting the focus from quantity to quality, creating expressive, terroir-driven wines that showcase the distinctive character of Rabajà.

By the 1990s, Bruno Rocca had earned international recognition and expanded beyond Barbaresco, adding vineyards for Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto, and Chardonnay. Today, Bruno’s children, Luisa and Francesco, work alongside him, continuing the family’s commitment to their land, their vines, and wines shaped by the balance between nature and human craft.

Tasting Notes: "With second-generation winemaker Francesco Rocca at the helm, the wines of this already highly reputable estate simply soar – they are among the finest releases from the 2022 vintage. Crowning the lineup, the Rabajà exudes all the breed and complexity this site is known for. Heady violet, truffle and nutmeg suffuse the dark cherry backdrop. It is simultaneously taut, textured and juicy. Tangy rhubarb flavours snap with exotic coriander. Intricate tannins wield a powerful grip but are honed to a silky, polished precision. All is seamlessly integrated." - Decanter

"The 2022 Barbaresco Rabajà is another classy, polished wine from the Rocca family. The breadth and power of Rabajà are evident in this strapping young Barbaresco. Dark Nebbiolo fruit, rose petal, mint, dried herbs and gravel are some of the many notes that come alive in the glass. This really explodes on the back end. Superb." - Vinous

"A reductive style with red currants and fresh flowers. Time in the glass brings out vibrant, peppery aromas, wild strawberries and violets. Medium-bodied and firm on the palate, this shows austere tannins and moderate acidity. Stern in the finish with a touch of leafiness. Try from 2028."- James Suckling

Varietal: Nebbiolo