Siena Farms CSA is coming to VINTAGES! See below for more...

 

There are so many different things that one could write about with regards to the PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO, given that the entire history of the Barbaresco appellation begins with the "Cantine Sociale" the first wine cooperative at the end of the 19th century. The Produttori, as we know it today, was started in the mid 1950's; many of today's growers were there at the beginning and helped to create what is now regarded as one of the prem ier producers of Barbaresco, and in fact, one of the world's greatest wineries. At the same time, they have created the truest lens of nebbiolo across a large swath of top cru vineyards, something no single estate could accomplish.

 

 If you like to pull for the underdog, if you like cinderella stories, the Produttori is for you. Through the dedication of its grower-members, and their commitment to the highest standards of quality in the vineyards and in the cellar, and equally important, the clear and steady guidance of its directors, the Produttori is making the best wines of their storied history. By insisting on the mission statement: to let the land speak for itself through minimal intervention in the winemaking process. To not be influenced by trends or fashion, or by critics for that matter, th e Produttori del Barbaresco has steadily won over even those who believed that they were an outdated and antiquated operation.  

 

Indeed today, wineries are being lauded for their traditional methods, for their use of barrels that simply allow the wine to slowly develop without adding oak-influenced flavors like vanilla and cocoa. Years ago I was pouring the Produttori's "Tre Bicchieri" winner at the Gambero Rosso tasting in NYC. People would comment "how light the color" was and assumed that the flavor was light as well. A couple of years later, at the same event, the winds of change were evident. People had embraced the traditional wines with their translucent color and silky texture: what was once old-school had become new and cutting edge. Modern producers began replacing their barriques and roto-fermenters with large casks, and lengthening their macerations. And all the while the Produttori del Barbaresco has steadily navigated ever-changing waters with a passion and conviction that few other wineries can claim.

 

Salute' to the 50 plus families that contribute to the production of one of our very favorite wineries! And many thanks to the Produttori for deciding to individually bottle nine of the greatest vineyards in the Langhe: Asili, Montefico, Montestefano, Muncagota, Ovello, Paje, Pora, Rabaja, Rio Sordo, so that we can better understand the many different nuances of Nebbiolo from the great land of Barbaresco. Magnifico!

  

 

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco Riservas

Price: $65.

 

 

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco "Asili"

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco "Montestefano"

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco "Montefico"

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco "Muncagota"

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco "Ovello"

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco "Paje"

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco "Pora"

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco "Rio Sordo"

2008 Produttori del Barbaresco "Rabaja"  

 

Also available: 

2008 Barbaresco "Torre" $35

2011 Langhe Nebbiolo $19.99  

 

Click for reviews of wines and info previously sent. 

 

 

TASTINGS:

BELMONT: Fri. June 7, 4-7pm & Sat. June 8, 2-5pm 

Featuring 4 of the Barbaresco Riservas, + Barbaresco Torre & Langhe Nebbiolo.

 

CONCORD: Sat. June 8, 1-5pm

Pouring 7 or 8 of the Barbaresco Riservas.

Tasting complimentary with purchase of wine from the tasting.   

 

Cheers and Salute'! 

 

"Fresh as an Ocean Breeze"

 

 
One of the most fascinating and miraculous things in wine happens when you can be completely captivated by something so light and delicate and ethereal, that still contains such complexity and depth.
A unique circumstance of geology, geography, varietal and climate, conspire to produce a vinous personification of all these different elements of nature. When vines are growing in close proximity to the ocean, the wine that they produce can take on a briny, saline character perhaps due to the salty sea-breeze wafting through the vineyards.

Wine's transporting powers are strongly in play here, whisking us away to a hot summer's day at the seashore, bringing the memory of climbing over rocky nooks and tidal pools, the restorative aromas of the deep blue sea as it meets the shore and its spray fills the air with refreshment.  

2012 AMEZTOI $19.99 (Basque region, Spain)

Txakolina, a traditional refresher from Basque country, offers aromas of sea minerals, green apple, citrus, and sea salt. Crisp and vibrant!

  

2011 BISSON Bianchetta Genovese $22 (Liguria- Italy)

This Bianchetta from the Ligurian coast is the epitome of ocean-influenced whites. Piero Lugano saved several parcels of this native grape from extinction; now he creates a truly unique white wine that is delicate, lively and satisfying, filled with vibrant minerality. 

 

2011 ARGYROS Assyrtiko $22 (Santorini- Greece)

Clean, precise and energetic with a succulent texture and briny, mineral flavors. "No. 1 was the 2011 assyrtiko from Argyros, which has made wine on Santorini for more than a century. It's entirely assyrtiko, and vinified in steel tanks to maximize its clean zestiness. Yet this is not a fruity wine. The flavors are savory and textural." -- Eric Asimov, NY Times 

 

2011 ALICE et OLIVIER de Moor Aligote $19.99 (Chablis- France)

Some of the most compelling, sincere wines you will find anywhere in Burgundy. Lemon zest, white flowers and crushed rocks form the backbone in this gorgeous wine.   

 

 When it's barbecue time, Barbera shines!  It's juicy red fruit is a natural pairing with grilled meat and veggies, and the acidity cuts the fat of a grilled rib eye, leaving you, well, refreshed! Oaky reds get a little heavy and well, fatiguing.

We strongly encourage you to try the 2008 GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO Barbera d'Alba "Scudetto $35. This is not just a great Barbera, this is a stupendous red that drinks like a $75 bottle-- and a really good one at that. Rich, plush fruit, great structure, deep flavor, and that secret acidity that keeps you coming back for more! Stock up for those great grill moments and save.

2009 CASTELLO di NEIVE Barbera d'Alba "Santo Stefano" $25. The Castello is one of the truly reliable houses in Barbaresco for well-priced wines with a high quality and drinkability factor. This single-vineyard Barbera has that traditional character and structure, and delivers offers up smoke, tar, blackberries and plums in a dark, racy style. Excellent persistence on the finish, and an appealing personality.