Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico Riserva 2021
The Produttori del Barbaresco, founded in 1958, now has 51 members and controls more than 100 hectares (250 acres) of premium Nebbiolo vineyards in Barbaresco. Each family is in full control of its land, growing Nebbiolo grapes with centuries old skill and dedication. The vinery produces a Barbaresco D.O.C.G., a blend of Nebbiolo grapes harvested from different vineyards, and a simpler Nebbiolo Langhe suited for earlier consumption.
In great vintages, nine single-vineyard Barbarescos are produced from nine classic premium sites within the Barbaresco village boundaries: Asili, Rabajà, Pora, Montestefano, Ovello, Pajè, Montefico, Muncagota, and Rio Sordo. These are the geographical names of sites where Nebbiolo grapes have always been cultivated. The name of the single-vineyards, the total number of bottles produced, and the name of the owners of the vineyards are marked on the labels.
The Produttori del Barbaresco, which vinifies only Nebbiolo grapes, produce around 550,000 bottles (45,000 cases) per year. In a good vintage they are divided among Barbaresco (50%), single vineyard Barbarescos (30%) and Nebbiolo Langhe (20%).
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).
Eight acres out of 20 belong to four Produttori farmers in this vineyard not widely known, yet highly sought after by the Barbaresco old time aficionados. It is often compared to the slightly larger and more famous Montestefano vineyard because of the close proximity between the two. Montefico lies half way between the Montestefano and the Ovello, on the same main ridge. The “white soil” (high calcium) of Montestefano merges here with the slightly more clayish Ovello soil. Exposure is full South, therefore quite warm, but mornings during the growing season are brisk because of the cooler air coming up from the narrow valley between the villages of Barbaresco and Neive. The result is a wine of great power and fierce tannins. Austere in its youth and somehow less fleshy than Montestefano. However the breed is one of great class and the complexity behind the tannins, incredible. The total annual production is only 6,000 bottles and the first vintage produced was 1974. - Aldo Vaca, General Manager
