Barbaresco is one of the most prominent wines in the Piedmont region. Since the 13th century, the cultivation of the Nebbiolo grape has largely defined the winemaking culture of the region. Nebbiolo is a slowly maturing grape which makes it easily susceptible to changes in differing soils and climates. As a result of the subtleties of the microclimates in Barbaresco, the wines take on a fascinating range of spice and fruit flavors. Barbaresco is much smaller than the Barolo region, yet it benefits from the influence of the Tanaro river allowing for grapes that ripen earlier and maintain an overall lighter character
Winemaking
- Varietal composition: 100% Nebbiolo
- Fermentation container: Stainless Steel tanks
- Aging container: Large oak casks
- Length of aging: 24 months
Tasting notes
Intense nose of spices, pepper and black cherries. Powerful, firm, elegant sip with ethereal flavor.
Terroir
- Soil composition: Limestone, rich in calcium with sandy veins
- Trellising: Guyot
- Elevation: 600 - 1200 ft
- Yield/Acre: 27 ql
- Exposure: Southwest - Southeast
- Production: 280,000 bottles
Country of Origin:
Italy
Region / Appelation / Cru:
Piedmont / Barbaresco
Certification:
DOCG
Grape Varieties:
100% Nebbiolo
Vintage:
2018
Alcohol:
14%
Producer:
Produttori del Barbaresco
Ratings:
Wine Advocate (93pts): June, 2022.
Packaged in its distinctive brown paper label, the Produttori del Barbaresco 2018 Barbaresco is a beautifully lean and luminous expression of Nebbiolo, and that pretty color should remain intact over time. The aromas are bold and ripe with dark and purple fruit, but the bouquet shows interesting twists with earth, truffle, licorice and grilled herb. As the wine opens in the glass, you begin to notice heavier aromas of raisin and dried apricot. It wears a warm-vintage signature for sure, and for that reason, I would suggest a shorter drinking window for the 2018. With an ample 300,000 bottles made, you get a great value with this bottle. Produttori del Barbaresco has been hitting it out of the ballpark these past years with a string of excellent vintages that resulted in the production of their entire line of Riservas. However, that good momentum comes to an end because the Riservas were not made in 2018. That vintage saw all the fruit blended into one non-MGA Barbaresco.
JamesSuckling.com (93pts): January, 2022
Lovely barbaresco, with all the typical nebbiolo characteristics, such as red berries, mushrooms and dried leaves, as well as hints of bitter orange peel and spice. All this follows through to the medium-to full-bodied palate, where fine, lightly firm tannins add a little grip and additional focus. Compact, but bursting with flavor. Delicious now, but give it a year or two. It will only get better.
Vinous Media's Antonio Galloni (92pts): February, 2022
The 2018 Barbaresco is an attractive, open-knit wine to drink now and over the next 10-15 years, maybe more. In 2018 the Produttori did not bottle their Riservas. Instead, all of the best lots of those grapes went into the straight Barbaresco bottling, another in a long string of successes from this historic house. Dark cherry, cedar, tobacco and spice fill out the layers. There is good depth and a good deal of tannin too, just not the complexity or nuance of the very best years.
Food Pairing:
Pairs well with egg pastas, risottos, white meats, poultry, red meats, game, venison and aged cheeses