Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco DOCG 2018 - 1.5 Liter Magnum -
(Piedmont, Italy) - [JD 95] [JS 93] [WA 93] [W&S 93] [VM 92] [TWI 92]

About The Winery:

Before 1894, Nebbiolo grapes where sold to make Barolo wine or simply labeled «Nebbiolo di Barbaresco». But in 1894, Domizio Cavazza, headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba and a Barbaresco resident, created the first cooperative, the «Cantine Sociali», by gathering together nine Barbaresco vineyard owners to make wine in the local castle that he owned. He understood well the differences between the same grape, the Nebbiolo, grown in the different areas of Barolo and Barbaresco and, for the first time, recognized it on the wine label.

The «Cantine Sociali» was closed in the 1930’s because of fascist economic rules. In 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the only way the small properties could survive was by joining their efforts, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco. The first three vintages were made in the church basement, then in the winery built across the square where the Produttori is still located.

United once again, the small growers continued the work started by Domizio Cavazza, producing only Barbaresco wine and enhancing both the reputation of the wine and the village. The proud past of Barbaresco and the dedication of its creators have made the Produttori one of the greatest producers in a great wine-producing area; it…«continues to set some of the highest standards of winemaking for any cooperative in the world». (Robert M. Parker, Jr.; The Wine Advocate, 2-28-90).

Founded in 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the only way small properties could survive was by joining their efforts, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco. From its humble beginnings making the first three vintages in the church basement, Produttori del Barbaresco has grown to a 52 member co-operative with 250 acres of Nebbiolo vineyards in the Barbaresco appellation and an annual production of over 500,000 bottles. Its vineyards amount to almost 1/6 of the vineyards of the area. Each member is in full control of their land, growing Nebbiolo grapes with the skill and dedication they have honed over generations.

Playing a key role in elevating the quality level of Barbaresco over the years, Produttori del Barbaresco produces a simpler Nebbiolo Langhe, a Barbaresco blend and nine single vineyard wines produced in premier vineyards: Asili, Rabaja, Pora, Montestefano, Ovello, Paje, Montefico, Muncagota and Rio Sordo.

Tasting Notes from the Winemaker:
Medium body with bright red fruit and spicy flavours, balanced tannic finish.       
Food Pairings: Fresh pasta, meat dishes, particularly lamb and game birds, mild cheeses
Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Vineyard: Various vineyards in the DOCG zone
Vineyards size: Grapes selected from 100 hectares (250 acres) of estate owned vineyards
Vineyard exposure: South, west, east
Soil: Limestone and clay, rich in calcium with sandy veins
Vinification: In stainless steel tanks, 28 days on the skins, pumping over 2-3 times a day, malo-lactic completed
Ageing: 24 months in large oak casks
Bottling date: April 2017
Total production: approx. 220,000 bottles (18,500 cases)

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - James Suckling:
"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." (Dec 2021)

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"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." - Monica Larner (Jun 2022)

93 Points - Wine & Spirits: 
"The challenging "Conditions in 2018 led Produttori to forego all of their single-cru wines, a difficult financial decision for the winery but an opportunity for wine lovers. This wine opens with classic scents of tar and roses, red berry and cherry flavors that are ripe and round, freshened by notes of fennel and thyme, and deepened by that cru level fruit. Grab a case if you can."

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"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." - Antonio Galloni (Feb 2022)

92 Points - The Wine independent:
"This 2018 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco has a subtle nose, some spice, green herb and bright, cherry notes, but just now it is not very forthcoming. In time, the nose opens a little to warm, spicy, dried fruits aromas. On the palate there is plenty of bright, juicy, mouthwatering acidity, although the wine feels a little leaner in the middle. This is a pretty, quite fragile style but very approachable and enjoyable, offering flavors of sun-dried fruit rather than fresh berries. It is refreshing and lively with gentle tannins and a tangy finish." - Susan Hulme (Jul 2022)