From: Barbaresco, Italy
Blend: Nebbiolo
Taste & Critical Acclaim: The 2019 Barbaresco vintage is stunning and shows off bright red fruits and spicy flavors, culminating in an elegant finish with classic Barbaresco tannins. We love how beautiful, understated, and drinkable this wine is now, but it is also the stuff of age-worthiness; its tightly wound, long, resonant finish hints at future pleasure (at least fifteen years with good storage conditions).
96 points Kerin O'Keefe
Camphor, rose, cedar and ripe red berry aromas come to the forefront on this beautiful Barbaresco. Smooth and elegantly structured, the focused palate features ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper alongside taut, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it well balanced. (9/2022)
94-95 points Jeb Dunnuck
There is a more pronounced mineral and delicately spiced character to the 2019 Barbaresco, with notes of wet asphalt and kirsch and vibrant purity. It has elegant concentration, with fine coiled tannins in its hints of tea leaves, bergamot, and ripe wild raspberry, and has a more pronounced structure, This is a fantastic expression. Drink 2024-2040. (5/2023)
93 points James Suckling
This is extremely floral and bright on the nose with lavender, violets and dark berries. Orange peel too. Full-bodied and solid with firm tannins and a tight finish. (8/2022)
93 points Wine Spectator
This red combines cherry, plum, tar, iron, licorice and eucalyptus aromas and flavors, backed by a firm, refreshing profile. Dense and tight for now; however, the long, resonant finish and lingering fruit and white pepper accents show its potential. (BS) (12/2023)
91 points Vinous
The 2019 Barbaresco is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next 15-20 years, give or take. Sweet, floral and open, the 2019 offers lovely brightness and energy to match its mid-weight, nervy feel. Sweet dried cherry, mint, crushed flowers and savory notes all grace this soft, understated Barbaresco from the Produttori. (AG) (9/2022)
Pairing: Pairing food with Barbaresco is a delightful experience. For a three to five-year-old Barbaresco, Federica Grasso from Ca’ del Baio in Tresio, a renowned Barbaresco producer, recommends a few dishes. One standout option is a risotto enriched with local Castelmagno cheese and hazelnuts, blending creamy, nutty flavors with the wine's complexity. For a unique twist, which we love, she suggests oxtail in Coda alla Vaccinara, a traditional Roman dish. This dish features braised oxtail seasoned with rich, earthy herbs and spices, complementing the depth of the Barbaresco. Grasso also recommends Eggplant Parmesan, but with a Sicilian touch, using Ragusano cheese. This pairing elevates the dish with a distinct, robust flavor harmonizing beautifully with the wine's profile. Beyond these recommendations, Barbaresco also pairs wonderfully with a range of other dishes such as pasta with savory tomato-based sauces, cheesy gnocchi, various chicken dishes, and even fish, as suggested by local producers.
Oxtail Braised With Tomato and Celery (Coda Alla Vaccinara)
By Amanda Hesser
About. Domizio Cavazza was a prominent figure in the history of Italian winemaking, particularly renowned for his contributions to the Piedmont region's Barbaresco wine. Born in the mid-19th century, Cavazza, a native of Piedmont, profoundly impacted the local wine industry. He pioneered recognizing the potential of the Nebbiolo grape in the Barbaresco area, which was traditionally used in Barolo wine. Cavazza's vision led to the establishment of the first cooperative winery in Barbaresco, fundamentally altering the region's wine production landscape. His efforts not only elevated the status of Barbaresco wine but also played a significant role in the broader development of Italian viticulture. His legacy is remembered for transforming Barbaresco into a wine of high esteem, paralleling the prestige of its counterpart, Barolo.
The Produttori co-op winery, with its roots deeply embedded in the traditions of Barbaresco, was born in 1958 under the guidance of Don Fiorino Marengo, a visionary priest who understood the value of unity and cooperation among the small vineyard owners. This renaissance marked a pivotal moment in the village's history, reviving the legacy of Domizio Cavazza, who first recognized the unique character of Nebbiolo grapes from this region.
The winery's philosophy, focusing exclusively on the Nebbiolo grape and Barbaresco wine, has been a bold and defining choice. This singular dedication has propelled Produttori del Barbaresco to its status as one of the world's most respected cooperatives. The vineyards, spanning over 100 hectares, are tended by families who have honed their craft over generations, producing wines that eloquently speak of their terroir.
The 2019 vintage is grown in a varied terroir of limestone, clay, and sandy veins; the Nebbiolo grapes are nurtured at altitudes of 200 to 400 meters, benefiting from the optimal southern exposures. This meticulous care in viticulture is reflected in the wine's complex profile, vinified in stainless steel tanks and aged in large oak casks.