August 7, 2025
2021 release - the best yet? Produttori del Barbaresco 2021
2021 Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Release
If there’s one Barbaresco producer we always recommend, it’s Produttori. In 2021, that advice rings even truer. Like much of Italy in this vintage, this is a wine you won’t want to miss.
“In a vintage shaping up globally to be one of the most sought-after in almost a decade (with perhaps the unfortunate exception of Bordeaux), the wines of 2021 continue to impress and woo the critics internationally, and the incredible new releases from the appellation of Barbaresco are certainly no exception”
- Greg Sherwood MW
The Barbaresco wine region, nestled in Italy’s Piedmont, is often called the “Queen” of Nebbiolo, a title that reflects its graceful, elegant style, while Barolo holds the title of “King” for its powerful, structured expression of the grape. Set in the Langhe hills, Barbaresco benefits from a unique terroir of calcareous soils and a temperate climate, creating wines with refined tannins and vibrant acidity. Known for their longevity and aromatic depth, Barbarescos are characterised by flavours of red fruit, rose, and earthy notes.
“Here we have the cooperative of Barbaresco and one known as producing some of the best-priced quality wines in all of Langhe.”
- Decanter, Aldo Fiordelli
Produttori del Barbaresco, a historic cooperative winery in the heart of Barbaresco, Piedmont, traces its roots to 1894 when it was founded by Domizio Cavazza, headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba, as a collective of nine growers. Re-established in 1958, it now unites over 51 small growers dedicated to crafting exceptional Nebbiolo wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir. Under the management of Aldo Vacca, former assistant to Angelo Gaja, Produttori del Barbaresco is celebrated for its traditional winemaking, producing both classic Barbaresco and distinguished single-vineyard bottlings. The wines are noted for their elegance, complexity, and longevity, establishing the cooperative as a benchmark for Nebbiolo and a symbol of Piedmontese excellence.
The 2021 Barbaresco from Produttori del Barbaresco is a standout expression of a thrilling vintage. The Wine Advocate has scored it 95+ Points, whilst Greg Sherwood goes one further with 96 Points. Greg Sherwood highlights that this bottling rivals past declassified Crus for complexity and finesse—an exceptional wine and a superb introduction to what 2021 holds for Barbaresco.
In our view, Produttori stands among a select group of producers offering some of the best value wines in Italy, delivering exceptional quality at a price that’s hard to beat. The wines of Produttori del Barbaresco usually don’t hang around too long, so be sure to secure your bottles while you can.
“While much of Barolo has succumb to the pressures of a buoyant, thirsty international fine wine market over the past few years, Barbaresco defies the odds and remains incredibly well priced but also very much Barolos equal in terms of quality, complexity, age ability and simple winemaking precision. I recently tasted a pre-release sample of probably THE greatest value for money Barbaresco on the market from Produttori del Barbaresco, and needless to say, I was not left disappointed!” - Greg Sherwood MW
Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2021
€28.50* In Bond per bottle
96 Points | Greg Sherwood MW
Showing a super bright piercing aromatics of pressed red cherry, saline black berries and tart cranberry fruit complexity with fragrant undertones of polished mahogany, damp earth and a delicately herbal, floral potpourri spice melange. The palate is sleek, fulsome and absolutely brimming with tart juicy red and black Nebbiolo fruits that support an incredibly tight, fine grained tannin structure, with notes of cherry cola and pink rock candy, finishing with a sleek, sumptuous, supple sappy mineral persistence. This cooler vintage has delivered a Produttori del Barbaresco expression that surpasses possibly even some of the previous non-declared / declassified Cru Barbaresco expressions where all nine Crus were blended together into the Barbaresco normale. A simply spectacular, mouth watering wine once again.
95+ Points | Wine Advocate, Monica Larner
This wine gives us our first taste of the epic 2021 vintage from a producer as prolific as Produttori del Barbaresco. Bottled in April 2024, this vintage shows the immense power and complexity that likens it to 2016, another year for collectors. The 2021 Barbaresco offers medium-rich density that is transmitted both to the wine's appearance and its mouthfeel. There is black fruit, spice and a touch of nutmeg. However, the wine maintains its youthful tension and energy throughout. The tannins are chalky, fine and void of any bitterness. This is a classical expression of Nebbiolo that gives us good reason to be excited for the upcoming 2021 Barbaresco Riservas.
*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.