Produttori del Barbaresco 2020 Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva

The Produttori 2020 Riserva from the Montestefano cru is a poised Nebbiolo of striking elegance and power. Intensely aromatic yet refined, it balances vivid red fruits with floral lift and tensile structure, offering sophistication and aging depth.

Origins & Craftsmanship

• Produced by the renowned Produttori del Barbaresco, one of Piedmont’s most respected cooperatives.
  

• Sourced exclusively from the Montestefano cru—a 3.9-hectare site known for calcareous limestone soils and warm, southeast exposure that lends rich, full-bodied structure.
  

• Crafted in exceptional vintages as a Riserva, the wine is made via 30°C fermentation with long 28-day maceration, followed by 30 months aging in large oak and 9 months in bottle.
  

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Deep and refined—enticing notes of violet, forest floor, red-skinned fruit, and new leather herald its complexity.
  

• Palate: Balanced and elegant—the red fruit (raspberry compote, red cherry) is framed by blood orange, white pepper, star anise, mint, and cedar, all delivered with polished tannins and vibrant acidity.
  

• Structure & Finish: Lithe yet powerful, with fine-grained tannins and lasting notes of minerality, saline grip, citrus, and licorice—poised for long-term cellar development.
  

Critical Acclaim

• 97 pts – Kerin O’Keefe: “Combines elegance with power—red fruit, spice, mint, cedar, polished tannins. Especially refined.”
  

• 96 pts – Wine Spectator: Praised for its poised red-toned fruit and graphite underpinning with excellent balance and length.
  

• Additional high praise: “Absolutely gorgeous,” with lifted aromas of violet and red fruit.
  

Quick Overview

"A haunting aroma of rose leads off, underscored with raspberry, cherry, white pepper and mineral flavors. This red is elegant and firmly structured, with refined tannins and vibrant acidity driving the resonant finish. The white pepper note returns on the aftertaste. Shows superb balance and length. Best from 2028 through 2045." Wine Spectator 96 Points

"Normally, Produttori del Barbaresco President Aldo Vacca puts Montefico, Rabajà, Muncagota and Montestefano at the end of his flight of Riservas. But in this year's presentation, he put the 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano fourth to last instead of last. This wine is usually the darkest and the most austere in the series. However, the 2020 does not live up to its usual flavor profile. The aromas are quite ripe, even overripe, with prune and raisin. The tannins are soft, leading to a succulent and chewy mouthfeel. My recommendation is to give this wine a shorter drinking window."Robert Parker 93 Points