Produttori del Barbaresco “Cru” Vintage 2021 OFFER
This is a superb set of new releases from the Produttori del Barbaresco. The Produttori’s 2021 Riservas are fabulous.
It’s an extremely consistent vintage across all nine wines.
9 bottle Collectors Case including 1 bottle of each of the Crus in a hinged wooden case.
12 bottle collectors case in cardboard including 1 bottle of each of the Crus + 3 x Barbaresco Classico.
Magnums of Rabajà. Ovello and Montestefano indiviual wooden boxes.
We will confirm allocation and invoice you ASAP with shipment in July.
We may not be able to satisfy all requests for these wines, we’ll do our best to secure your request.
Your tongue will thank you!
The wines of Produttori del Barbaresco were my first introduction to Barbaresco. The good bit was being introduced to a producer that is now a staple in my cellar. The bad bit was all of the lesser Barbaresco I tried after that. They had set the bar high!
Barbaresco is often considered the poor cousin to Barolo. That it certainly is not! The benefit for us is the marketing hype around Barolo which is often deserved and sometimes not help keep prices of Barbaresco reasonable. Produttori produces what are undoubtedly some of the best value Barbarescos available today.
Today we offer what may be Aldo Vacca’s best suite of Crus to date and the last under his leadership as he winds back to spend more time riding his road bike around the hills.
There really is an incredible amount of wisdom in his winemaking.
A rare opportunity to try the best Crus from across Barbaresco, and, explore the diversity of personalities in the wines of the region, from feminine, and, perfumed, to brooding and structured.
They are all excellent wines of distinction, with a further 5 years in the bottle they will be outstanding. Most will easily last 20 years.
My 1st meeting with Aldo
Aldo Vacca has deftly brought the Produttori del Barbaresco into modern times while making subtle changes to farming and winemaking yet maintaining the traditional style that has made this coop so adored by its rabidly loyal fan base. The changes at Produttori have been gradual to the degree they aren’t always so noticeable, but they are there. No one knows every nook and cranny of Barbaresco better than Aldo Vacca, but Vacca has also proven to be incredibly wise in making choices that have positioned the Produttori for much continued success in the future. I can’t think of too many wines that deliver this much pleasure and value. Antonio Galloni
The 2021 Vintage at Produttori del Barbaresco
This is a superb set of new releases from the Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative. The Produttori remain the single most important producer in Barbaresco because of the quality of their wines and the scale of their deep reach into many markets around the world.
The Produttori’s 2021 Riservas are fabulous. It’s an extremely consistent vintage across all nine wines, something that does not always happen. For example, the Pora—which is the first of the wines in the tasting and often relatively soft—is especially serious. Production for the nine Riservas is down a bit, as 2021 required some selection compared to vintages of similar quality, most notably 2016, where more lots made the cut. The 2021 Riservas spent around 28 days on the skins, including submerged cap maceration. Malolactic fermentations were done in tank and finished by the end of the year, after which the wines were racked to allow for a natural decantation over winter. The wines were barreled down in April and spent 30 months in 25HL French oak casks before being bottled with no fining or filtration.
While Riservas naturally get most of the attention in this range, the 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo and straight 2022 Barbaresco are also terrific. “With regards to 2022, it’s a year with thick skins and low juice yields,” Managing Director Aldo Vacca explained. “Initially, we expected more dilute wines. Instead, drought concentrated the fruit, perhaps at the expense of some of the aromatic complexity of years like 2021 and 2016. Skin-to-juice ratios were high. We used many of the better lots in 2022 for the straight Barbaresco and will bottle a small amount of Riservas.”
Lastly, but certainly not least, Aldo Vacca will retire at the end 2025 after a brilliant career that spanned 34 years with the Produttori, during which he presided over the most important period in the winery’s history. It’s safe to say that no one has done more for the reputation of Barbaresco and its wines globally than Aldo Vacca, among those producers who are still active. I have always admired Vacca’s candor, humility and no-nonsense approach, qualities that are at times exceedingly rare in the world of wine.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The two thousand and twenty-one vintage began with a mild winter, though plenty of rain and two snow storms ensured an excellent supply of water, which proved to be essential over the course of the rest of the season, mainly dry. A mild month of March was followed by a cooler than average April and May, with limited rainfall and chilly nights and brisk mornings until the beginning of June.
Despite the cool Spring weather, the Nebbiolo variety, which is an early developer and therefore potentially more at risk, was not significantly affected and flowering and setting went on normally. The crop load though, was not too high – an estimated 10% lower than in 2020 – reducing the need for green harvesting and giving a naturally balance yield in most of the vineyard sites. June brought warmer weather and a couple of short rainstorms and was followed by a warm, but below average July. Over all a nice summer, dry, but never too hot. An intense rainstorm come on August 2nd, with limited, localized hail damage. The middle of August, second and third week, was the hottest time of the year when the maximum temperatures were close to 35°C/95°F. First half of September remained warm while the second half brought the cooler nights so important for a proper Nebbiolo maturation.
The harvesting of Nebbiolo began on October 6th and it was over in Barbaresco by October 18th. The grapes were healthy, with optimal phenological maturity facilitated by the intense day-night temperature variations. In terms of quantity, crop loads were optimal and well-balanced, with visibly smaller berries than last year. These factors resulted in a strong polyphenolic content, essential to produce wines of structure and balance intended for lengthy ageing.
In conclusion, we can say that remarkable results have been achieved in terms of the quality of the grapes, which will produce excellent Barbaresco wines with intense aromatic complexity.
From Produttori del Barbaresco
A bit about Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is an incredibly challenging grape variety to grow, make, and, as a consumer, sometimes, to drink and understand.
The name incorporates ‘Nebbia’ or cloud. Driving the vineyard clad hills of Barolo or Barbaresco in Piemonte (at the foot of the mountain), you’ll often find yourself immersed in clouds! A function of the topography and the region being surround by mountains on three sides.
Nebbiolo wines tend to focus more on what we call secondary characters, earthy, truffles, violets, woody herbs, tar. The texture / mouthfeel is a hallmark of Nebbiolo. They can be extremely tannic demanding rich food to balance them, and time in the bottle to soften. No matter the quantity of tannin, the best Nebbiolo wines will always have incredible quality, depth and length of tannin.
The bunches and berries are much larger than most of the French varieties. The colour of Nebbiolo wines can range from deep and dark to rusty tap water! Yet, a pale colour is often no indicator of the depth of flavour or quality of the wine.
A bit about Barbaresco
The area of Barbaresco is only 10min from Barolo, the difference in soil and weather can mean one may have a great year whilst the other is average.
Barbaresco DOCG regulations allow for wine to be released a year earlier than Barolo.
Produttori del Barbaresco have been quietly going about the business of making some of the best value Nebbiolo’s available today.
There is no doubt that the great Barbaresco’s are every bit as good as the great Barolo’s.
As a generalisation, Barbaresco tends to be less tannic and more approachable as younger wines. This has absolutely no impact on the ability of Barbaresco to age.
About the Wines
Produttori del Barbaresco, Pora, Barbaresco Riserva
Proximity to the Tanaro River creates a unique microclimate for the Pora, a beautiful hill with West and South exposures, while the northern side of the hill is an abrupt bluff that drops into the river and where the famous white truffles can be find on season. Due to the proximity to the valley floor, Pora is relatively warm in the early morning hours, but breezy with slightly higher humidity through most of the day. Soil fertility is slightly higher here and this gives to the wine a smoother character, tannins are soft and the aromas always tend to open up in the early years of life. Pora is also one of the most historical vineyards in Barbaresco, as it was part of the property of Domizio Cavazza, the father of Barbaresco, who in 1894, founded the first Cantina Sociale. Produced as a single vineyard by Produttori del Barbaresco since 1967.
Vineyard size: 10.7 ha (26.5 acres) Exposure: South West Elevation: 200 – 280 meters
95 Points
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is a fabulous introduction to the single-vineyard wines in this range. Pliant and resonant in the glass, the 2021 impresses with its solid core of fruit and exceptional balance. A wine of depth and structure, the Pora is compelling. Wild cherry fruit, spice, new leather and blood orange fill out the layers. This is an especially fine Pora. There is so much to look forward to.
Produttori del Barbaresco, Pajè, Barbaresco Riserva
This vineyard is a small bowl facing South/West and it lies between the village itself and the famous Asili vineyard. However Pajè is slightly lower in altitude and the vineyard is more open to the Tanaro River influence resulting in a cooler microclimate. The soil is limestone with high calcium level. In result the wine combines elegance and complexity with intense tannins and it is never shy in acidity. The latter makes Pajè somehow sharper and brighter in its first years, with lovely youthful fruit and flowery notes, almost minty in cooler vintages. Pajè is particularly attractive after some ageing, when the wine still retains a fruitful and fresh palate. First vintage produced was 1967 as a small commemorative label for the “Cavalieri del Tartufo” association. Regular production started from the 1982 vintage.
Vineyard size: 1.8 ha (4.5 acres) Exposure: South Weast Elevation: 220 – 260 meters
97 Points
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is deep, dense wine. Strong spice and balsamic notes wrap around a core of dark-toned fruit. A brooding, packed powerhouse, the Pajè needs a number of years to be at its most expressive. This is classic Pajè all way, dialed up to eleven. Time in the glass brings out the wine's complex, dynamic personality and overall breadth.
Produttori del Barbaresco, Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva
Ovello is the northernmost vineyard in the village of Barbaresco, higher in elevation and dropping down in an abrupt 90 metres from a bluff. Ovello combines the best qualities of Montefico and Montestefano. Historically, Ovello was named after a winery that used to be called ‘Aloello’. It is a relatively large area with a number of subzones with West and East exposure, all sharing a similar calcareous soils rich in clay. The higher percentage of clay and the cooler microclimate give the Ovello its exuberant and youthful quality in the fruit and its fuller body, which defines its distinctive personality. Explosive fruit on the palate and firm, sometimes rough tannins on the finish, these wines always bring a lot of joy to the palate and deliver powerful structure that needs some years of bottle ageing to balance out. Domizio Cavazza had vineyards in Ovello (and Pora) when he started producing Barbaresco in 1894. It was also among the first 5 vineyards produced as single vineyard by Produttori in 1967. Fruit from Ovello also commands the largest percentage in the Barbaresco classic wine.
Vineyard size: 20.3 ha Exposure: South West and South East Elevation: 250 – 320 metres
96 Points
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello sizzles with tension right out of the gate. Orange peel, mint, chalk, white pepper and crushed rocks are all finely sketched. Bright and sinewy to the core, the 2021 captures the purest essence of Ovello. It's another stellar wine in this range. The Ovello will appeal most to readers who like tense wines.
Produttori del Barbaresco, Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva
The vineyard is a long, South/West exposed hillside in the southern part of the Barbaresco village, not far from the river. The light limestone soil with relatively low calcium content compared to other areas of Barbaresco produces wines where tannins are never dominant, instead they show a silky quality on the palate that makes them extremely attractive and seductive, never imposing, always elegant. Behind the smooth elegance however, lies a core of powerful structure and very well balanced tannins that give to the Rio Sordo its complexity and longevity. First produced as a single vineyard by Produttori del Barbaresco in 1978.
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo marries finesse and power. Open-knit aromatics make a strong first impression. Layered and resonant in the glass, with tons of supporting structure, the Rio Sordo is going to need a few years to come into its own. Crushed rose petal, cedar, spice and tobacco lend notable finesse. The 2021 needs time, but it's got the goods. The explosive, aromatic finish is sublime.
Produttori del Barbaresco, Asili, Barbaresco Riserva
This spectacular vineyard has created in the past some of the greatest Barbaresco and it has a strong following all over the world. The main part of the Asili vineyard is a protected bowl facing South/West, next to Pora, but farther away from the river and the valley influence, with warmer and less breezy microclimate during most of the summer. To the East, Asili ends with a bricco, top of the hill, also facing South/West and with a similar soil composition, bordering Rabajà. The wine is intense, certainly not a full bodied Barbaresco, but nevertheless showing a very imposing personality. Usually quite closed in its youth it opens up slowly with impeccable complexity and style; a classic Barbaresco, and also one of the most distinctive vineyards of the region. First produced as a single vineyard in 1967.
Vineyard size: 2.28 ha Exposure: South West Elevation: 230 – 290 metres.
98 Points
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is an alluring beauty that melds together the signatures of this site with the structure of the year at this address. Floral, bright and bursting with energy, the Asili is a star. Blood orange, kirsch, red-toned fruit, cedar, mint and spice rush from the glass. Here, too, readers will have to be patient. This is pure and total sensuality.
Produttori del Barbaresco, Rabajà, Barbaresco Riserva
Rabajà is often considered as potentially the greatest Barbaresco site of all: a long, sinuous ridge line which begins with a roasted amphitheatre above Martinenga, limestone percentages in the marly soils vary here to great effect. This is the historic part of the Rabaja’ subzone. It is south-west facing overall. Rabaja’ is one of the best-known and most celebrated vineyards in Barbaresco, so much so, that, Bruno Giacosa recently bought a parcel, release 2013 as the 1st vintage.
Rabajà produces a quintessential Barbaresco, one of the most complete and balanced of the single vineyards. The vineyard lays at the conjunction of the two main ridges that form the Barbaresco village, one starting at Rabajà and going West towards the Tanaro River (with progressively less calcium and higher fertility in the soil) and the other one that goes from Rabajà to Ovello, South to North (with higher calcium content in the soil).
The meeting of these two different soils give to Rabajà its incredible complexity. Bordering both Asili and Muncagota it combines the personality of those two great vineyards with and extra richness due to the South/West warm exposure. First produced as a single vineyard in 1971.
Vineyard size: 3.7 ha Exposure: South West Elevation: 240 – 300 metres Vineyard
97 Points
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is dark, powerful and explosive. That's the good news. Readers will have to be patient with this brooding, sepia-toned Barbaresco. Dark fruit, graphite, new leather, licorice, scorched earth and gravel add to an impression of muscular gravitas. The 2021 needs a bit of time in the glass to start opening, but when it does, it's magnificent.
Produttori del Barbaresco, Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva
This single vineyard looks South/East, facing the cooler morning sunshine instead of the warmer afternoon sun. Because of that, the Muncagota vineyard shows beautiful floral characteristics and often a specific mint character on the nose. Calcareous soil and a low level of sand gives to the wines of Muncagota extremely focused fruit and firm, stylish tannin. Muncagota is a perfect example of the elegant and intense qualities that make Barbaresco one of the most interesting and unique wines of the world. First produced by Produttori del Barbaresco, as Moccagatta, in 1967. Muncagota is the piedmontese dialect version of the word Moccagatta, same vineyard, different spelling.
Vineyard size: 4.5 ha (11 acres) Exposure: South East Elevation: 250 – 300 meters
95 Points
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is laced with strong floral and savory notes. Brisk acids and beams of supporting tannin give the 2021 its driving, tense personality. I expect those qualities will be positives for the future, but today the Muncagota is pretty forbidding. Give this time. This is one of the most tense editions of this wine I can remember tasting.
Produttori del Barbaresco, Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva
A not widely known vineyard, yet highly sought after by the Barbaresco aficionados. It is often compared to the slightly larger and more famous Montestefano vineyard because of the similar soil (high calcium) and close proximity between the two. It lays half way between the Montestefano and the Ovello. Exposure is full South, therefore quite warm, but it is not unusual for Montefico to have brisk morning hours during the growing season because of the cooler northern wind that occasionally funnels in from the Tanaro River and into the narrow valley between the villages of Barbaresco and Neive. Austere when young and somehow less fleshy than Montestefano, it shows a beautiful mineral finish. It produces wines with the breed of any classic Barbaresco and with incredible complexity behind the tannins. First vintage released was 1970.
Vineyard size: 3.86 ha Exposure: Sud / Sud-Est Elevation: 230 – 260 metres
97 Points
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is a tense, vibrant wine. Whereas in most vintages the Montefico can be a touch austere, the 2021 has plenty of energy, but also the textural depth to pull it all together. In that sense, the Montefico is a terrific example of the vintage here. Its concentration and persistence are the stuff dreams are made of Hints of sage, graphite, chalk and mint explode on the back end.
Produttori del Barbaresco, Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva
It is one of the vineyards with higher concentration of calcium in the soil that gives to the wine a powerful tannic structure. The extra heat of the South facing slope is responsible for the Montestefano full body and almost meaty texture. It is deep flavored wines with massive tannins, but quite ripe and well integrated in the wine because of the warm exposure. In a wet season its grapes can hold rain well and it is usually the last one to be picked among the Barbaresco vineyards. For all these reason it is probably the Barbaresco that more reminds of Barolo where tar and roses prevails on the refined violet flavors. Despite this massive attitude remains a true Barbaresco, never too heavy on the palate and with a classy finish that lingers on the palate without overwhelming your senses. First produced by Produttori in 1974.
Vineyard size: 4.5 ha (11 acres) Exposure: South – South East Elevation: 230 – 280 meters
97 Points
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is a dense, hulking wine. Powerful and dense to the core, the Montestefano is a big, broad-shouldered wine that is going to need a few years to be at its most expressive. Dark-toned fruit, new leather, spice, menthol are all amplified in this potent Barbaresco.
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