The producer
It is very rare for a co-operative winery to be amongst the best producers of their area, but Produttori di Barbaresco has been a leading light for quality wines in Barbaresco since its re-formation in 1958 (originally formed in 1894).
Approximately half the production is generic Barbaresco while good vintages result in all nine single vineyards producing a Riserva. The nine Riserva single vineyards offer a lesson in Barbaresco terroirs with its vastly varying aspects, altitudes, and soils – from fragrance and elegance, to fruitiness, earthiness, structure and power, it’s all here. And the value for money is quite outstanding, arguably the best in Langhe.
The wine
Fruit for the Riserva ‘Montefico’ cuvee is derived from the estate’s 3.9-hectare plot in the eponymous vineyard. The vineyard is south, southeast facing and has calcareous limestone soil. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and is followed by ageing for 36 months in large oak barrels and 9 months in bottle. Chiselled crushed rock minerality with floral complexity and red cherry fruit, along with a herbaceous lift, this is a silky yet firm medium bodied wine with incredible fragrance and balance.
