2022 PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO LANGHE NEBBIOLO

2022 PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO LANGHE NEBBIOLO, PIEDMONT, ITALY. 100% Nebbiolo.

Produttori del Barbaresco is a cooperative established in Barbaresco in the 1950s that is not only one of the greatest producers in the famed Barbaresco appellation but sets the highest standards of winemaking for any cooperative in the world. Their Langle Nebbiolo is produced from a selection of lighter grapes from various vineyards in within the appellation planted to limestone and clay soils rich in calcium with sandy veins. It was fermented in concrete tanks and aged in large oak barrels. Full bodied and ripe with dark red fruit and spicy notes and powerful, well integrated tannins in the finish, this classic Piedmontese red is recommended with pastas and pizzas, white and red meat, rich fish dishes. Decanter: Fans of Piedmont’s greatest reds will already be familiar with Produttori del Barbaresco, but let me briefly resume some of the reasons why it, too, is such a great source. First, it’s a true specialist: it only vinifies Nebbiolo grapes from Barbaresco; indeed 95 per cent of production comes not just from the DOCG of Barbaresco, but from the village itself (the rest is from Neive). The decision to take Nebbiolo alone was a brave one when the co-operative was re-founded back in 1958 (its initial founding date was 1894, but it was closed by fascists in the 1930s), as many back then predicted the future lay in the easier-to-drink Dolcetto and Barbera. Ever since, it has stayed true to its ideals. The 54 growers have to bring all of their Nebbiolo (from 105 ha) to the co-operative, which then vinifies the wines in the most traditional manner – no rotofermenters or barriques, for example, have ever been used here. The Nebbiolo delle Langhe is pure declassified Barbaresco (from younger vines), and in good years the winery makes a range of nine single-vineyard wines which are given additional ageing, and qualify as Reserva-level wines. The results are superb; unquestionably better than the wines of the DOC’s weaker private cellars as well as many unambitious négociant efforts. They can be aged with confidence.