Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2021

The one, the only Produttori in Barbaresco makes 9 single vineyard crus from some of the top Nebbiolo sites in the region, but this wine – their so-called “normale” – is what inevitably sets them apart from other producers in the area. Nothing normal about this wine, the 96 point, immeasurably generous 2021 vintage is endlessly pleasure-inducing, and a crazy value at under $40 a pop!

Founded in 1958, Produttori del Barbaresco may be the wine world’s most renowned co-op. It consists of 51 members who share control of more than 100 hectares of the best Nebbiolo sites in Barbaresco, and the wines produced from here have garnered some of the top praise within the region, based both on style and quality. The normale has long been a staple for Barbaresco wine – largely considered to be the most consistent wine year to year among the majority of its imbibers. In other words, serious wine geeks know you can’t go wrong with Produttori!

Of course, the sweeping, sky-high scores line right up with the previous year’s delectable 2020 vintage, even surpassing that great vintage in some ways. The deeply revered critic of Italian wine Kerin O’Keefe called this “one of the greatest values in Italian fine wine” in her 96 point review – while Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate says this vintage “shows immense power and complexity that likens it to 2016, another year for collectors” (95 points). It has a youthful tension, yet a brooding richness, with feather-smooth tannins and a savory finish, and the capability to age for at least a couple of decades to come.

With plush aromas of roses, violets, and cardamom floating from the glass, the wine then exudes notes of orange zest and dried cherries, adding brightness and lift. Rich and full in style, the vintage showcases its ampleness and prodigy with flavors of crushed limestone and wet asphalt, along with zippier touches of ripe cherries, raspberries, and sultry anise. A final wave of tart, expressive cranberries and blood orange gives way to a charcoal dust and graphite finish for a seriously stunning, complex experience that we simply devoured in our office tasting. For those who can grab a few of these, do so straight away! Trust me, you’ll be glad for a good while that you did!

PAIRING IDEAS: Give this a go with this fusion twist – classic red wine braised short ribs but with a broth spiced in a decidedly Vietnamese flavor palate – mint, coriander, basil, and lemongrass, along with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. The spice resonance in both the wine and the dish will take this to the next level... guaranteed!