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 – we just got more of the 96-point, immeasurably generous, endlessly pleasing 2021 vintage… a crazy value at under $42 a pop! 

COPY(~3-4 paragraphs): Produttori del Barbaresco, reborn in 1958, is perhaps the wine world's most famous co-op. Fifty-one member families farming over 100 hectares of the finest Nebbiolo vineyards in Barbaresco, all pouring their best fruit into one shared pursuit of quality. Their "normale" – blended from a patchwork of top crus across the appellation – has long stood as the benchmark for the region, both stylistically and qualitatively, and is widely regarded as one of the most consistent wines on earth, vintage after vintage. Seasoned Nebbiolo lovers know the truth: you simply can't go wrong with Produttori.

But 2021 is not just another strong year. Critics have reached for words like "epic" and "a vintage for collectors," and more than one reviewer has drawn a direct line to the legendary 2016 – the vintage many consider a modern high-water mark for the region. Where the 2020 charmed with early, open-armed generosity, the 2021 is cut from more classic cloth… aromatic purity, vibrant acidity, and fine-grained, structured tannins that signal a wine built for the long haul. The season delivered a long, slow ripening with the day-night temperature swings that Nebbiolo craves. This wine earned Produttori's highest critic ratings to date and a coveted spot on Wine Spectator's Top 10 of the year – rarefied company for a bottle that normally retails around $75, and a downright thrilling proposition at our $42.

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!

FOOD PAIRINGS: 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!