The Produttori is Barbaresco’s benchmark producer. A huge share of the village’s best farmers, representing virtually all of its best terroirs, bring their fruit to the co-op. It is hard to be admitted to the co-op. There is a waiting list; only a few make it.
Once you are in, the rules are strict. You don’t get to hold back any wine for your own labels. This isn’t a region where growers ship off their second best to the co-op and put their pride and joy in their own luxury bottles. You have to meet strict quality controls, of course. The Produttori is only devoted to quality-minded farmers with incredible terroir giving their all.
The winemaking is likewise next level. Aldo Vacca, the co-op’s general manager, is one of the wine world’s greatest artists. If you ever have the opportunity to meet and taste with him, take it; he is also one of the wine world’s great communicators.
Professional Reviews
Antonio Galloni
AG95
"The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is perhaps the most complete of the 2019 Riservas at this stage. It offers beautiful depth, plenty of tannins and an emerging internal sweetness that holds it all together. The Montestefano is a wine of stature and textual depth and my first favorite in this range."
Robert Parker
RP96
"Rich, abundant and defined by an elegant mineral tone that gives it strength and linearity. It boasts an abundance of dark fruit in its core with a presentation that is firmly structured and tightly coiled. The tannic structure of the wine is bold and powerful and requires more ageing in the bottle"
Jancis Robinson
JR17.5
"Spicy and mineral nose. Very appetizing and complex."
Wine Enthusiast
WE96
"Powerful aromas that begin with black raspberries, stewed cherries and a mix of sweet and savory spices. Subtle floral and herbaceous notes add depth to the nose. The palate is broad and rich, with a generous dose of mixed berry jam with crushed pepper and dried herbs. The tannins are masterful, with a refined nature that brings out the soul of the Nebbiolo and demonstrates how well this wine can age."
