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Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco Riserva “Rio Sordo”, 2020

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Among the nine single-vineyard Riservas released by Produttori del Barbaresco, Rio Sordo is often the most immediately seductive. It’s a southwest-facing cru with warmer soils and a long track record of producing softer, more accessible expressions of Nebbiolo—though “soft” here is relative. The 2020 vintage offers classic structure, but it's wrapped in darker fruit, silky tannins, and a more generous, almost baritone tone.

Produttori needs no introduction for lovers of traditional Barbaresco. As a cooperative, they represent the best kind of collective winemaking—meticulous, transparent, and unwavering in style. Rio Sordo brings a textural plushness that makes it drinkable earlier than some of its siblings, but there’s plenty of grip and aging potential under the surface. Pair it with braised meats, truffle risotto, or nothing at all—this is one to sit with slowly.

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Antonio Galloni

94 points

"The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is pretty closed today, which is probably a very good sign for its aging prospects, as this site tends to produce wines that are more open than this. Dark cherry, plum, leather, incense and tobacco offer a decidedly somber expression of Rio Sordo. The 2020 clearly needs time." —Antonio Galloni

Robert Parker

94 points

"The Produttori del Barbaresco 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo comes from an area that is further removed from the Tanaro River and has southwestern exposures. It shows a typical profile for Nebbiolo with rich fruit, a velvety mouthfeel and textural volume that is delivered with ample blackberry, blackcurrant and spice. The character of this wine is generous and rich. There is plenty of meat on these bones." —Monica Larner

Kerin O'Keefe

96 points

"Aromas of pine forest, dark spice, new leather and hint of truffle form the enticing nose on the impressive 2020 Rio Sordo Riserva. On the palate, taut extremely refined tannins accompany pomegranate, strawberry, citrus and star anise." —Kerin O'Keefe

More about

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Nebbiolo

  • Vintage

    2020

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Sustainable

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Full Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

What has to say about this wine:

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Tasting Profile


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.