Produttori del Barbaresco

Produttori del Barbaresco, or just Produttori among its many fans, needs little introduction. Looked to as the exemplary wine cooperative, Produttori makes what is probably the best value, age-worthy red wine in the world. Their estate Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco, currently 2017 vintage, is one of the most consistent wines to come out of the Langhe, and it sits at a very drinkable price point. It offers an expression of the revered Nebbiolo grape that wine-drinkers and critics adore, with balance, purity and complexity, even in its youth. The Produttori Langhe Nebbiolo is a delicious, attractive wine for younger consumption made from declassified Barbaresco grapes, giving it enough poise to be considered a veritable baby Barbaresco. And, only in excellent years, we anticipate the release of the heralded nine Crus from single vineyard sites across the Barbaresco commune. Tightly allocated, the Produttori Crus represent the very best terroir-specific wine production in Barbaresco, with wines ranging from ethereal and lifted to brooding and powerful.

Initially founded in 1894 in Northern Italy’s Piedmont region to bring together nine Barbaresco vineyard owners, the intention of the first members was to help the area build its own reputation outside of the shadow of Barolo. Borne from the recognition that Nebbiolo grapes from Barbaresco had a unique personality defined from those of Barolo, the Cantine Sociale was founded in the local castle owned by Domizio Cavazza and, prior to its forced closure in the 1920s during the fascist rule, produced wine that, for the first time, highlighted its distinction from Barolo.

It wasn’t until 1958 when the work started by Cavazza was resumed, that the cantina we know now as the Produttori del Barbaresco winery was born. Nineteen small growers combined efforts under the guidance of the Barbaresco village priest – who facilitated the production of their first three vintages in his church basement. The Produttori has since moved to a winery across the village square and is today run by Aldo Vacca, a pre-eminent mind on the wines of the Langhe, and son and great-grandson of two of the original founders. 54 members and 54 families are the current contributors to the Cantine Sociale, proudly working solely on these stunning wines.