Barbarica Silva …

… Barbarica Silva was the Roman name for those thick forests & wild woods where the Ligurian rebels hid from Roman expansionism. Today the village is called Barbaresco!

Produttori del Barbaresco is a name synonymous today with any sensible wine lover of the Nebbiolo grape grown up there in the Piedmont. The name of this estate represents something exceptional. It symbolizes unity in a region where history, heritage, and prestige usually define the names. The Produttori del Barbaresco winery has existed since 1958 and embodies the lifeblood of its entire community. Born of necessity and shared fundamental principles, this authentic cooperative went on to achieve renown for producing top-quality Nebbiolo wines in the Piedmont.

Risk was the initial factor at play during this period. Barbaresco grape growers faced economic hardship following World War II, as selling their grapes failed to generate sufficient income. At the time, the absence of the Barbaresco DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) status forced vineyards to sell their grapes to Barolo wineries at very low prices. Through his influence, the local parish priest, Don Fiorino Marengo, succeeded in uniting 19 growers under the name Produttori del Barbaresco. The primary goal was to safeguard what they possessed, their land, their tradition, and their identity. Rather than to pursue financial gain.

Today, the Produttori organization comprises more than 50 local families and 100 hectares of premium Barbaresco vineyards. The organization operates as a democratic system grounded in unwavering principles. The Barbaresco DOCG designation restricts the source of their grapes to plots owned by their members; in exceptional vintages, they produce Riserva wines from nine single-Cru vineyard selections.

Last night, a small group of us got together to taste all nine Crus. If you have the people, the time and the wine available, this has to be one of the most enjoyable tastings of your vinous life. I will plant the idea of a repeat tasting, next year (2027) with 2016 vintage, and then 2019 vintage in 2028. Who knows!?

The 2013 Barbaresco vintage was characterized by elegance and vibrancy, offering winemakers a perfect balance. A summer heatwave, tempered by cool nights, yielded wines with impeccable aromatic definition, soft tannins, and precise structure across the entire collection. The 2013 vintage displays a refinement that contrasts with the robust, structured wines of the 2007 vintage. The Riservas exhibit immediate appeal while also demonstrating great aging potential.

All winemaking processes at the estate remain traditional. The wines age in large Slavonian oak casks for 30 months before spending an additional year in the bottle prior to release. The unique qualities of each bottle stem from soil composition, vineyard aspect, and prevailing winds. These wines perfectly reflect Barbaresco’s natural mosaic of micro-terroirs. Here are my six favorites out of the nine Cru we tasted & drunk:

2013 Produttori del Barbaresco “Ovello” Barbaresco Riserva
Ovello is Barbaresco’s northernmost and largest Cru and produces structured Barbaresco wines characterized by high-toned notes. The wine features red fruit alongside dried herbs and a pronounced acidity that will stand the test of time, offering the most energetic profile in the lineup.

2013 Produttori del Barbaresco “Montefico” Barbaresco Riserva
The Montefico is elegant yet compact, offering notes of graphite alongside rose and taut red fruit. It appeals to enthusiasts seeking a pure experience, presenting intense aromas coupled with mineral complexity. Riserva wines from this Cru typically display the highest level of transparency.

2013 Produttori del Barbaresco “Montestefano” Barbaresco Riserva
The wine from this site achieves the highest level of power, rivaling that of Barolo. Montestefano brings the densest, darkest profile to the collection, displaying notes of black cherry alongside spicy elements and robust tannins suitable for long-term cellaring.

2013 Produttori del Barbaresco “Pajè” Barbaresco Riserva
Pajè presents itself as a wine that bridges the intense structure of Montestefano and the lightness of Ovello through a combination of smoothness and earthiness. It reveals its character through notes of tobacco alongside aromas of iron and cherry skin. The wine possesses refined complexity while maintaining an understated nature.

2013 Produttori del Barbaresco “Pora” Barbaresco Riserva
The Pora vineyard produces wines with a remarkably open character, thanks to vines grown in sandy soils along the Tanaro River. The wine offers delicate floral notes that lend it charm; it is pleasing to the palate from the start yet improves with time.

2013 Produttori del Barbaresco “Muncagota” Barbaresco Riserva
The Muncagota wine displays a balanced character and a vibrant personality, combining freshness with spicy notes. It exhibits detailed characteristics but lacks the density found in Rabajà and Montestefano. A careful observation.

The two Montes! Stefano & Fico were my outstanding faves of the night and I will be looking to buy them individually in the future.***

If you need more information on any of these please ask me: william@worldwineconsultants.com