Produttori del Barbaresco Italian Red

This is Produttori del Barbaresco’s flagship wine, a Nebbiolo produced with fruit selected from their 54 growers, who collectively farm some 250 acres of vines, and it is a stunner. Enticing aromas of violet, woodland berry, loose vineyard soil, wild mint and a hint of spearmint shape the intensely fragrant nose. The tense, young palate is still nervous but already boasts finesse, showing wild raspberry, crunchy red cherry, white pepper and star anise. Firm, refined tannins and racy acidity give it a linear, almost austere elegance, while bright acidity keeps it focused and balanced. Drink 2026–2036. The 2017 Barbaresco shows just how appealing this vintage can be. In 2017, the warm, dry growing season gave the Barbaresco an extra kick of richness that fills out its frame and adds so much immediacy. Sweet red berry fruit, cinnamon, rose petal and mint are open in the glass, but it is the wine’s seductive radiance that wins the day. Pora, Ovello, Montestefano, Muncagota and Rio Sordo are the main vineyards used for the straight Barbaresco. The 2017 is such an inviting and expressive wine. Don’t miss it! 2020-2032 Score: 94 Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, October 2020 Mid-pale ruby colour in the glass. The nose is fragrant and intense with strawberries, redcurrants and a little fresh tobacco. The palate is pithy and really fine - the tannins are remarkably soft for such a young Nebbiolo, allowing the fruit to shine through a velveteen texture. They are still plentiful and add bite on the back end, bringing the savoury dried flowers and a hint of leather. There is such lift and vibrancy despite the rounder fruit - really harmonious and elegant. Bursting with character through to a long finish, this is a superb wine from Produttori del Barbaresco. The added roundness means you can drink this wine now, but there is no doubting its potential over the next ten years. A real bargain for such fine quality. Score: 17+ Farr Vintners, Farr Tasting, November 2020 Barbaresco. Tasted blind. Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Lifted sour-cherry and raspberry nose. Elegant raspberry fruit palate which has a medium-weight feel to it and coating tannins. Long and still youthful. Promising. Drink between 2020-2030 Score: 17+ Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com, July 2020