Barbaresco Riserva Produttori del Barbaresco Cru 2017 Collector Case (9 bottles)

Description

Produttori del Barbaresco is a benchmark producer of Nebbiolo and one of the world’s great co-operative winemakers. Reformed in 1958 following decades, the revived Cantina Sociale comprised 19 families who banded together to survive, making the first three vintages in a church basement before moving across the street to their current location. Today they are owned by 51 families and are the single most important producer of Nebbiolo in the world.

Dedicated to making only Nebbiolo,  the co-operative also insists that if you sell them any grapes, then you must sell them all of your grapes – none can be kept back to make an own label or super cuvee. It means that this Barbaresco producer is a reference point for the style, and a beacon of value and quality.

The Riservas are only made in great years and when they decide to make them then all 9 of the cru sites are made separately. This is the 5th consecutive release of these wines and it looks like they will be released in the next two years as well – this has never happened before. The Riservas are sourced from 9 classic sites within the Barbaresco village boundaries.

This case includes one bottle of each of the Cru and comes in a beautiful, wooden presentation box.  Some will drink well young but most of these will improve with at least a couple of years in bottle.

Pora - close to the river Tanaro and low in altitude, the warm meso-climate gives this a softness and approachability and a rich, earthy substance to the finish. 

Pajé - in the heart of the village, south-west facing amphitheatre, noted for its spice and tight, elegant structure and background of floral whispers.

Ovello - the most northern vineyard at high elevation facing the river, this is a large cru with multiple exposures and facets. 

Rio Sordo - also low altitude, but further away from the river than Pora with a southerly aspect. The limestone content gives this a soft, supple feel that is gorgeous in its youth. 

Asili - one of Barbaresco's greatest sites, this faces southwest but is away from the river with warm days and cooler nights. A wine of impeccable presence and personality, these age spectacularly well. 

Rabajà - one of the most complete Barbarescos with a soil profile from west to east of increasing limestone, giving this wine magnificent complexity and richness. 

Muncagota - close to Paje but higher and facing southeast, this is extremely elegant and supple with pinpoint balance and a waft of characteristic mint. 

Montefico - a small site in the north of the village that faces due south, gathering warmth, but exposed to cool northern winds. This is bright and mineral Barbaresco that is highly sought after by aficionados. T

Montestefano - a limestone-rich site yielding abundant tannins, and a rich decadent profile thanks to its southern exposition. A monster in waiting and one of the last to be picked, it sometimes looks more like Barolo with loads of rose and liquorice complementing the deep-seated red fruits. Worth a few years in the cellar.