Nestled in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, Produttori del Barbaresco is one of Italy’s most revered cooperative wineries, renowned for its commitment to Nebbiolo. Barbaresco, often referred to as the “Queen” of Nebbiolo, contrasts with its more robust counterpart, Barolo, through its graceful structure, refined tannins, and aromatic finesse. This elegance is rooted in the region’s unique calcareous soils and temperate climate, which combine to produce wines of exceptional depth and vibrancy.
The story of Produttori del Barbaresco began in 1894, when Domizio Cavazza, the visionary headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba, founded the winery with nine growers. Cavazza recognised the potential of Nebbiolo grown in Barbaresco, a sub-region historically overshadowed by Barolo, and sought to elevate its status. Despite his efforts, the cooperative disbanded after his death, only to be revived in 1958 by the local parish priest, Don Fiorino. His dedication helped unite small growers in the area, paving the way for Produttori del Barbaresco to flourish.
Today, the cooperative consists of over 51 growers, cultivating a combined 100 hectares of Nebbiolo vines. Under the stewardship of Aldo Vacca, a former assistant to Angelo Gaja, the winery has solidified its reputation as a beacon of quality and tradition. The wines are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, employing traditional winemaking techniques such as extended maceration and ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, ensuring the essence of the terroir shines through in every bottle.
Barbaresco’s terroir is central to the character of Produttori’s wines. The region’s calcareous soils impart a distinctive minerality, while the cooler climate encourages freshness and aromatic complexity. Produttori del Barbaresco produces a classic Barbaresco and nine single-vineyard Crus, each expressing a unique facet of the region’s terroir:
Asili
Montestefano
Montefico
Ovello
Pora
Rabajà
Rio Sordo
Muncagota
Gallina
These wines are only produced in exceptional vintages, aged longer than the standard Barbaresco, allowing them to showcase their distinctive character. The result is a portfolio that embodies both the cooperative spirit and the individuality of Barbaresco’s vineyards.
Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2020