Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco DOCG 2022
(Piedmont, Italy) - [JD 95] [WA 94] [KO 94] [JS 94] [DM 94] [VM 93] [WE 93] [WS 93]

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.

About this Wine:
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. In 2022, the winery did not produce any Riserva bottlings, so all the fruit went in to this wine. 

Tasting Notes from the Winemaker:
Medium body with bright red fruit and spicy flavors, 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 120 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: 20 months in large oak casks

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"In 2022, the estate did not bottle any single-vineyard Riservas, with all fruit going into the 2022 Barbaresco. It pours a jeweled ruby red color and reveals a seductive yet very pure nose of cherry cordial, crushed roses, sweet herbs, and peppery spice. Medium-bodied, it has supple ripeness in the fruit yet wonderful clarity in its tannins and acidity, giving the wine excellent definition and balance. Drink 2026-2050." – Audrey Frick (Apr 2026)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The Produttori del Barbaresco 2022 Barbaresco records a relatively high 15% alcohol content, yet the wine remains happily elegant and poised throughout. Small berry aromas of cassis and wild cherry are framed by expressive floral notes of lilac and earthy iris root, which feel especially vivid in this youthful Nebbiolo. The wine delivers immediate depth and finesse, balancing the natural richness of the warm vintage with the precision and freshness that define the cooperative's style. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in large oak botti, this release shows impressive harmony and varietal purity across its substantial production of 320,000 bottles." - Monica Larner (Jul 2026)

94 Points - Kerin O'Keefe:
"The straight 2022 Barbaresco from Produttori del Barbaresco is fragrant and refined, with aromas of blue flower, red berry, citrus and a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus. Surprisingly fresh and juicy for the hot, extremely dry vintage, it boasts flavors of tart red cherry, orange zest and star anise alongside taut, refined tannins that leave some grip on the finish. Abv: 14.5%." (Sep 2025)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Bright and overtly fruity, this is full of intoxicating violets, cinnamon, blood oranges and black cherries, expressing mint and balsamic depth. Full-bodied with a soft, smooth attack, dusty yet velvety tannins and brilliant acidity. The chocolaty finish shows licorice and a mouth-coating texture. Delicious and balanced. Drink or hold." (Nov 2025)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Violet, rose and dried herb scents over black cherry, raspberry and a touch of tar. Medium-bodied yet firm on the palate, its succulent red fruits are framed by fine tannins and fresh acidity. The clean and persistent finish shows floral, red-fruit and mineral nuances." - Lauren Mowery (Apr 2026)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Barbaresco is a pretty rich, heady wine. Dark cherry/plum fruit, cloves, licorice and mocha build as the 2022 shows off its considerable depth. This is one of the few 2022s that is quite resonant texturally. The inclusion of some juice from Riserva lots is a great help. All things considered, this is a stellar showing." - Antonio Galloni (Oct 2025)

93 Points & Editor's Choice - Wine Enthusiast:
"Dark fruits and firm structure reminding us why this co-op has been the neighborhood's best dinner party secret for generations. The palate brings that same trusted pleasure, where depth and volume prove sometimes the best bottles come from many hands working as one." - Jeff Porter (Jul 2026)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Packed with cherry and raspberry flavors, this red is round and succulent, with a fleshy profile and a solid base of tannins. Mineral and menthol accents add depth, and the finish is fresh and long. Best from 2028 through 2042. 600 cases imported." – Bruce Sanderson (Apr 2026)