Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Rabaja 2019 MAGNUM
$399.00
MAGNUM! 97 points! “.. intensity and structure .. full-bodied, delicious..”
2 in stock
Description
“It finally happened—the world has awakened to one of its greatest wine treasures, the Produttori del Barbaresco. Since 1958, the Produttori has been the reference point for classic Barbaresco. And since their launching in 1967, the Produttori’s Riservas have been the defining expressions of Rabajà, Asili, Ovello and Barbaresco’s other noble vineyards.
The Produttori was founded in the crushing poverty of the 1950s, when the parish priest organized 19 struggling growers to make wine communally. With time, the Produttori grew to about sixty members—owning the lion’s share of the greatest vineyards. Even today, many of Barbaresco’s best growers are members, occupying the greatest sites and pooling their fruit. In lesser years, only one wine is made, but in great vintages, up to ten magical Barbarescos can be made: the often astonishing flagship Barbaresco plus nine single-cru Riservas. The Produttori still uses traditional methods: an 18 to 21-day primary fermentation with aging for up to three years in botti. Such techniques yield gloriously transparent wines, affording a unique opportunity to explore the region’s finest terroirs.
“Though one of Piedmont’s greatest producers, the Produttori has long lived in the shadow of more famous names like Giacosa and Gaja. It was not until recently, thanks to the outspoken advocacy of critics like Antonio Galloni and John Gilman that the Produttori is getting the attention it deserves …
“The Produttori’s nine crus or vineyards lie on steep slopes composed of the classic firm clay and limestone marl of the Langhe. Those from the northernmost chain of hills—Ovello, Montefico and Montestefano–have a higher clay content and are known for their rich earthy, meaty flavors, full body and firm structure. To the south are Pajé and Moccagatta, noted for their intensity and elegance. Still further south is perhaps Barbaresco’s greatest slope, boasting the southfacing Asili, Rabajà and Pora. Below these three icons is the solitary southwest-facing slope of Rio Sordo, whose opulent Barbaresco exudes aromas of black cherry and truffle.
“In each vintage, the juice from these crus is blended to produce a single Barbaresco which is one of the great wine values not only of Italy, but the world. But in great years, part of the production of each vineyard is set aside for an additional year of aging and for separate bottling as a single-vineyard Riserva. When these Riservas are made, they constitute the quintessential examples of Barbaresco’s greatest terroirs.” From Importer, The Rare Wine Co.
“Under the direction of Managing Director Aldo Vacca, the Produttori are making some of the most distinguished wines in their history.“ Antonio Galloni, Vinous
About the 2019 vintage from the winery: “Vintage looks promising with high sugar level as it was expected from the hot summer, and good polyphenolic profile, which should ensure wines with good structure and excellent ageing potential. Worthy of note in particular is the high accumulation of anthocyanins, so wines can be expected to have excellent color and complexity. All considered, the vintage can be said to be a classic one, with a quality production despite a drop in quantity compared to the previous year.”
About the Rabaja vineyard: This 12.5 acre vineyard is located where the two ridges of Barbaresco meet. A brother wine to Muncagota, this vineyard has a slightly warmer microclimate. Rabajà enjoys a southwestern exposition that gives the vines access to the sun throughout the afternoon. Considered a quintessential Barbaresco, this wine is well-rounded, exhibiting elegance and power, as well as, tannins and fruit. The first vintage of Rabajà was produced in 1970.
97 points Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast “Balsamic aromas of camphor mingle with pressed rose, wild berry, new leather and dark spice. Showing intensity and structure, the full-bodied, delicious palate boasts a weightless concentration, delivering fleshy raspberry, blood orange, almond liqueur and licorice alongside tightly woven, velvety tannins. Fresh acidity lifts the rich flavors and provides great balance.” Tasted Jan 2024
96 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator “The 2019 Rabajà is round and deep, with a beam of pure cherry, along the line of Pora and Rio Sordo, but it delivers more power and structure. This is complex, with a saline, mineral element, and it’s super long.” Tasted March 2024.
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is redolent of dark fruit, crushed rocks, graphite, sage, menthol and lavender all race across the palate, supported by bracing, young Rabajà tannins that make themselves felt. This mid-weight, powerhouse Barbaresco packs quite a punch.” Tasted Sept 2023.
RRP $498 Our Special Price $399 – 1.5 litre magnum!
Additional information
Producer | Produttori del Barbaresco |
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Region or Country | Barbaresco, Italy, Piedmont |
Variety | Nebbiolo |
Vintage | 2013 |
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