| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | Italy > Piedmont > Barbaresco |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The Produttori di Barbaresco 2021 Barbaresco is an absolutely stunning wine that is a harbinger of just how great the 2021 Barbarescos will be. In fact, I think that a case can already be made that 2021, an outstanding vintage that will go down in history as one of the all-time greats for the Langhe, is actually even better in Barbaresco than in Barolo. A case in point is this magnificent classic Barbaresco wine by the Produttori (I am referring to their classic bottling, not one of their Riserva wines made from a specific cru).
Deeply saturated vibrant red. Complex, intense aromas of red cherry, sexy sweet spices, red rose, flint, and violet are complicated by hints of tobacco and milk chocolate. Showing captivating richness, even sultriness, for this bottling, this is rich yet vibrant, with an ample, deep core of red fruit and cinnamon flavours that are at once powerful and yet light on their feet. Harmonious acidity nicely frames and extends the flavours on the long, luscious aftertaste and the smooth tannins provide all that glossy fruit with plenty of backbone and staying power. I can't remember a classic Barbaresco from the Produttori with more immediate charm, yet with the power to age for decades; think of this beauty a little like the 2016, perhaps just a touch less deep but more explosive. Made with grapes from the Ovello cru (the largest about 25% of the total), and also Rabajà, Montestefano, Pora and Rio Sordo (in the Barbaresco commune) and Cottà, Currà, San Cristoforo and Basarin (in the commune of Neive), this was aged about twenty months in large oak barrels. Though charming right now, the 2021 is shaping up to be one destined for long cellar aging; it will likely be released for sale towards the end of the year. Founded in 1958 by nineteen growers, the Produttori di Barbaresco has since grown to over fifty members that farm over one hundred hectares and is universally considered to be one of the world’s best wine cooperatives. But for many of us, it’s the single best one of them all, and this marvelous 2021 classic Barbaresco wine showcases why. Drinking window: 2029-2040.
2021 was an exceptional year in the Langhe as is clearly demonstrated by the gorgeous 2021 Barbaresco from Produttori. It boasts beautiful aromas of violet, rose, cake spice and mint that carry over to the elegant palate along with succulent red cherry, crushed raspberry and star anise. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity keep it impeccably balanced. Made from blending Nebbiolo from different vineyard sites, this is the firm’s classic Barbaresco and is one of the greatest values in Italian fine wine. Drink 2027–2033.
Barbaresco. Lustrous, just mid ruby. Savoury, minerally nose with rich but shy red fruit underneath. Lush, fresh raspberry fruit underpinned by bags of polished tannins. Long and a little muscular but with plenty of fruit to balance. 2024-2032. 17++
