Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo 2016

Description

“The 2016 Riservas are without question the finest wines I have ever tasted from the Produttori del Barbaresco. That is evident from the very beginning of this tasting. Wines like the Pora, Rio Sordo and Muncagota that are typically open-knit and accessible, in relative terms, are brooding powerhouses.. No one who loves Piedmont wines will want to be without these mind-blowing, majestic Riservas. Prices remain exceedingly fair, making these some of the most reasonably priced, ageworthy wines anywhere in the world.”  Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Produttori del Barbaresco produces 9 Single Vineyards, all historical sites in within the boundaries of the Barbaresco Commune. First released in the 1967 vintage as Riserva Speciale (five vineyards were produced then), they are bottled only in outstanding years. In such vintages the best grapes from each vineyard sites are selected for single vineyards bottling, while the remaining grapes are used in the Barbaresco blend.

The Rio Sordo vineyard is a long, South/West exposed hillside in the southern part of the Barbaresco village, not far from the river. The light limestone soil with relatively low calcium content compared to other areas of Barbaresco produces wines where tannins are never dominant, instead they show a silky quality on the palate that makes them extremely attractive and seductive, never imposing, always elegant. Behind the smooth elegance however, lies a core of powerful structure and very well balanced tannins that give to the Rio Sordo its complexity and longevity. First produced as a single vineyard by Produttori del Barbaresco in 1978.

94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media “The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is a serious, somber wine. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol show off the darker side of Nebbiolo to great effect. In most vintages, Rio Sordo is an easygoing wine, but not in 2016. Readers will find a potent, brooding yet mid-weight Barbaresco that screams with character. What a way to start this tasting!”

96 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate “.. With the Rio Sordo, you really start to feel the textural richness and fruit weight that can be achieved with Nebbiolo in a great vintage. This vintage is compact and tightly woven together, suggesting a forecast for an extra long drinking window. The Alutto and Marengo families farm the fruit used in this blend. This wine will live long, and I love that touch of candied licorice that appears on the close (especially when you come back to the open bottle 24 hours later)”

95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator “Eucalyptus, cut hay and licorice accent the cherry, plum and mineral flavors in this suave red. Firm and powerful, with assertive, nervous tannins and vibrant acidity. A bit jumbled today, yet there is energy and length on the finish indicating its future potential. “

RRP $220   Our Special Price $159.99 – FOR A LIMITED TIME.   WHILE STOCKS LAST!