Nebbiolo Wine

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2021

Wine Advocate (Monica Larner) — 95+ Points
"This vintage shows the immense power and complexity that likens it to 2016, another year for collectors. The 2021 Barbaresco offers medium-rich density transmitted both to the wine’s appearance and its mouthfeel. There is black fruit, spice, and a touch of nutmeg. The tannins are chalky, fine, and void of any bitterness. This is a classical expression of Nebbiolo that gives us good reason to be excited for the upcoming 2021 Barbaresco Riservas."

James Suckling — 94 Points
"An intriguing wine with aromas of potpourri, dried cherries, and candied orange zest. Smoky and juicy on the palate, with firm, dusty yet ripe tannins, a full body, and a long, savory finish. Drinkable now, but it has great potential for the long haul."

Wine Spectator — 94 Points
"A vibrant, well-defined red, offering rose, cherry, strawberry, white pepper, and mineral flavors. Sleek and elegant, this firms up on the linear finish. Balanced and approachable now yet would benefit from a bit more time to knit together. Best from 2027 through 2040."

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 93 Points
"A gorgeous, deep wine. Although the aromatics are a bit closed, the 2021 shows gorgeous depth and a touch more palate presence than is typically the case for this bottling. Dark and enveloping, the 2021 will offer a number of years of very fine drinking. An impressive, classy wine from Produttori del Barbaresco."

Winemaker Description

Classic Barbaresco color with scents of spices, pepper, and black cherries. Powerful, firm, elegant, and ethereal.

About Produttori del Barbaresco

Founded in 1958, Produttori del Barbaresco is one of Italy’s most revered wine cooperatives — and arguably the benchmark producer for Barbaresco DOCG. The cooperative brings together growers from the finest crus in the Barbaresco commune, including Asili, Rabajà, Montefico, Montestefano, Ovello, Pora, and Rio Sordo. Under the leadership of winemaker Aldo Vacca, Produttori has remained committed to traditional Nebbiolo winemaking: long macerations, large Slavonian oak casks, and minimal intervention. The result is wines of extraordinary purity, terroir expression, and age-worthiness at prices that consistently over-deliver for the quality.

Food Pairings

Fresh pasta with truffles or ragù, braised lamb, roasted game birds, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Barolo-braised short ribs. Cellar through 2040 or decant 2–3 hours before serving now.

Product Details

• Producer: Produttori del Barbaresco
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nebbiolo 100%
• Vintage: 2021
• Aging: Large Slavonian oak casks
• Style: Full-bodied, structured, age-worthy Nebbiolo
• Drink: Now–2040 (decant 2–3 hours)
• Format: 750ml

From arguably the greatest cooperative on earth, this Langhe Nebbiolo is Produttori del Barbaresco's most accessible expression — essentially a "declassified" Barbaresco made from the same high-quality Nebbiolo grapes, just from younger vines, offering an approachable, early-drinking window into one of Piedmont's most celebrated estates.

The Producer

Produttori del Barbaresco is the benchmark cooperative of the Langhe, renowned worldwide for their single-vineyard Riserva Barbarescos. Sourcing exclusively from members' vineyards in the Barbaresco DOCG, they combine traditional winemaking methods with an unwavering commitment to terroir. This Langhe Nebbiolo is the perfect entry point into their world — serious wine at an approachable price.

The 2024 Vintage

The 2024 growing season began with a mild winter and welcome rainfall in late 2023 and March 2024, partially restoring soil water reserves after nearly two years of severe drought. Mild temperatures brought an early bud break around March 20th in Barbaresco, setting the stage for a fresh, vibrant vintage with bright natural acidity and elegant fruit expression.

Tasting Profile

Classic Nebbiolo character in a more approachable, earlier-drinking style. Expect aromas of red cherry, dried rose petal, tar, and subtle earthiness. On the palate it's medium-bodied with bright acidity, fine tannins, and a clean, mineral-driven finish — all the hallmarks of great Nebbiolo without the decade-long wait.

Perfect Pairings

• Italian Classics: Pizza, pasta with meat ragù, lasagna Bolognese
• Meats & Charcuterie: Roasted chicken, fennel sausage, prosciutto, mild cheeses
• Earthy Dishes: Mushroom risotto, truffle-infused pasta, aged Parmigiano

Serve at 60–65°F. Decant for 30 minutes to open up. At $29.99, this is one of the most compelling values in Italian wine — Barbaresco pedigree at a Langhe price.

Drive Your Palate to New Heights with Vietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 2022

Experience the exceptional quality of Vietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 2022, a serious and sophisticated expression of Piedmont's noble Nebbiolo grape. Crafted by the renowned Vietti estate, this wine incorporates fruit from prestigious Barolo vineyards including Roncaglie, giving it the DNA and character of wines far above its classification. Aged for two years in large oak barrels, this 750ml bottle delivers remarkable complexity and elegance that rivals many Barbaresco and Barolo wines.

Tasting Profile

This medium-bodied Nebbiolo displays a beautiful medium red hue and opens with vibrant aromas of fresh red berries, crushed flowers, dusty earth, roses, mint, white pepper, and orange peel. The palate is rich and textured with fresh, vertical intensity, featuring flavors of ripe cherry, raspberry, chalk, and fresh spice. Firm, tensile tannins provide structure while maintaining an approachable, refreshing character. The wine finishes long and refined with notable aromatic brightness and presence.

Expert Recognition

Wine Advocate - 93 Points (2022 Vintage)
"Not too far off from tasting and smelling like a full-fledged Barbaresco, or even a Barolo for that matter, since it does technically have the DNA of both. The fruit is delivered with fresh, vertical intensity, and the wine's texture is firm and tensile. I like this vintage more than I thought I would."

Vinous Media - 90 Points (2022 Vintage)
"A very serious wine in its peer group. Crushed flowers, red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and orange peel give this rich, textured red notable aromatic brightness and presence. This is far from an easygoing Langhe Nebbiolo."

Jeb Dunnuck - 90 Points (2022 Vintage)
"Medium-bodied, refreshing, and approachable, it offers fine tannins, a delicate, juicy feel on the palate, and a clean finish."

Perfect Pairings

• Roasted red meats and game dishes
• Hearty stews like Osso Buco
• Mushroom risotto and truffle dishes
• Mature and aged cheeses
• Traditional Piedmontese cuisine

Serving Suggestions

Serve at 60-65°F for optimal enjoyment. Decanting for about an hour before serving will enhance the wine's complex aromas and allow the flavors to unfold beautifully. This wine is robust and powerful in youth, becoming more complex and elegant with aging. Perfect for special occasions or pairing with sophisticated Italian cuisine.

From one of Barolo's most storied and respected houses, the Pio Cesare 2021 Barolo is a commanding expression of the "King of Italian Wines" — powerful, structured, and deeply complex, yet with the balance and energy that make the 2021 vintage one of Piedmont's most exciting in recent memory.

Critical Acclaim

• 96 Points — James Suckling: "Very powerful and structured, with aromas of black truffles, graphite and hints of dried thyme and cedar. Medium- to full-bodied and chewy yet polished. The finish goes on and on."
• 94 Points — Wine Advocate: "Excellent portrait of the vintage with balanced acidity, firm tannins and bright primary fruit. There is energy and vitality in this pretty Barolo with dried cherry, iris and subtle dustings of iron ore or rust."
• 92 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: "More layered, savory, and noble in its feel...firm, structured tannins with mineral drive. Demands a bit of cellaring but will drink well over the next 15–20 years."

The Producer

Founded in 1881, Pio Cesare is one of Barolo's oldest and most distinguished estates, with a legacy of crafting wines that honor the traditional character of Nebbiolo while embracing the precision of modern winemaking. Drawing fruit from multiple prized sites across the Barolo DOCG, their flagship Barolo is a benchmark expression of the appellation — consistent, age-worthy, and unmistakably Piemontese.

The 2021 Vintage

A traditional vintage delivering fresh fruits and beautiful aromas with great structure and complexity. Intense color, balanced acidity, and gentle tannins make 2021 a classic Barolo year — already approachable yet built for long aging. Reviewers consistently note the energy, vitality, and bright primary fruit that define this exceptional growing season.

Tasting Profile

Deep ruby with garnet hues. The nose is aristocratic and complex — black truffle, graphite, dried cherry, iris, cedar, dried thyme, and subtle iron ore minerality. On the palate it's medium- to full-bodied with chewy yet polished tannins, vibrant acidity, and layers of dark fruit, licorice, clove spice, and forest herbs. The finish is extraordinarily long and mineral-driven. Decant generously; best from 2027 and drinking well through 2040+.

Perfect Pairings

Serve at 65–68°F with at least 1–2 hours of decanting. Classic pairings include braised short ribs, osso buco, truffle risotto, wild boar ragù, aged Barolo Chinato, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. This is a wine for the table — and for the cellar.

Winemaker Description

With a dark garnet-red color, the wine shows distinctive, fine aromas of small fruits, raspberry preserves, roses and violets, with an herbal note. In the mouth, the wine has full, lively tart fruit flavors, elegant tannins and a lingering aftertaste, with traces of prunes and toasty oak. 

Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne 2021 750ml

Unveiling the elegance of Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne 2021, a fine-tuned, elegant Barolo that represents the pinnacle of Italian red wines. This exceptional wine showcases the essence of the Nebbiolo grape in its purest form, earning outstanding ratings of 95 points from James Suckling, 93 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator, and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast. A blend of fruit from five prestigious MGA sites, this wine offers nice intensity and standard Nebbiolo complexity with excellent harmony.

Outstanding Critical Acclaim

James Suckling - 95 Points
"A fine-tuned, elegant Barolo with aromas of dried cherries, dried roses, licorice and mint. Full-bodied, it shows smoothness, density, weight and soft tannins despite the structure, with refreshing acidity and a long, vibrant finish full of savory flavors. Drinkable now, but best from 2026."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 93 Points
"A blend of fruit from five MGA sites (Brunate, Liste, Cerequio, Cannubi and Raviole), this is an ample release of 70,000 bottles. The Damilano 2021 Barolo Lecinquevigne offers nice intensity and standard Nebbiolo complexity with dark fruit, cassis, spice and toasted tobacco leaf. You do not taste the personality of any one site, but that's not the point. Aged in large botte, the wine is open-knit in texture and immediate. You can wait longer or pull the cork now."

Wine Spectator - 93 Points
"Laced with cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and white pepper flavors, this red is expressive despite being linear and taut. Firms up on the finish, where lively acidity drives the fruit and savory elements. Shows excellent harmony and potential. Best from 2028 through 2045."

Wine Enthusiast - 91 Points
"A vibrant Barolo that leads with pure, lifted aromatics of fresh roses and red cherries. The palate carries this sense of lightness forward, showing elegant fruit and pristine flavors that feel energetic rather than weighty. The finish sparkles with tart red fruits and that unmistakable Nebbiolo vibrancy, leaving your mouth watering for another sip. This wine proves that Barolo's beauty can come through brightness and purity rather than sheer muscle."

Five Prestigious MGA Sites

A blend of fruit from five MGA sites (Brunate, Liste, Cerequio, Cannubi and Raviole). These are some of Barolo's most prestigious vineyard sites, each contributing unique character to the final blend.

Brunate, Liste, Cerequio, Cannubi & Raviole

The five MGA (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive) sites represent the finest terroirs in Barolo. Brunate, Liste, Cerequio, Cannubi and Raviole each bring distinctive characteristics that create a harmonious and complex wine.

70,000 Bottle Production

This is an ample release of 70,000 bottles, making this exceptional Barolo accessible while maintaining the quality standards of the prestigious MGA sites.

Winemaker's Description

Ruby red in color with orange reflections. An intense bouquet, with tertiary notes of rose, leather, tobacco and emerging notes of violet and tar. The palate is ample and embracing, with prevailing impressions of a soft, persistent long finish.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Ruby red in color with orange reflections
Aroma: Dried cherries, dried roses, licorice and mint. Dark fruit, cassis, spice and toasted tobacco leaf. Cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and white pepper. Fresh roses and red cherries. Tertiary notes of rose, leather, tobacco, violet and tar
Palate: Full-bodied with smoothness, density, weight and soft tannins. Open-knit in texture and immediate. Linear and taut. Elegant fruit and pristine flavors. Ample and embracing
Finish: Long, vibrant finish full of savory flavors. Lively acidity drives the fruit and savory elements. Sparkles with tart red fruits. Soft, persistent long finish

Fine-Tuned & Elegant

A fine-tuned, elegant Barolo with aromas of dried cherries, dried roses, licorice and mint. This wine showcases refinement and precision in every aspect.

Full-Bodied with Soft Tannins

Full-bodied, it shows smoothness, density, weight and soft tannins despite the structure. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure without harshness.

Refreshing Acidity

With refreshing acidity and a long, vibrant finish full of savory flavors. The acidity provides balance and ensures the wine will age gracefully.

Nebbiolo Complexity

The Damilano 2021 Barolo Lecinquevigne offers nice intensity and standard Nebbiolo complexity with dark fruit, cassis, spice and toasted tobacco leaf. This is classic Nebbiolo character at its finest.

Aged in Large Botte

Aged in large botte, the wine is open-knit in texture and immediate. The traditional large oak casks allow the wine to develop complexity while preserving fruit purity.

Excellent Harmony & Potential

Shows excellent harmony and potential. This wine is beautifully balanced now and will continue to evolve and improve with age.

Brightness & Purity

This wine proves that Barolo's beauty can come through brightness and purity rather than sheer muscle. The elegant, vibrant style showcases a modern approach to Barolo.

Drinking Windows

Drinkable now, but best from 2026 (James Suckling). Best from 2028 through 2045 (Wine Spectator). You can wait longer or pull the cork now (Wine Advocate). This wine offers both immediate pleasure and long-term aging potential.

2021 Vintage Quality

The 2021 vintage has garnered much attention due to its meticulous craftsmanship, reflecting the unique terroir of the Barolo region. This vintage showcases exceptional quality and character.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Lecinquevigne is perfect for:

• Braised meat
• Game
• Mushrooms
• Aged cheeses
• Hearty red sauces
• Charcuterie board with salami and prosciutto
• Rich, savory dishes

Damilano Heritage

Damilano Barolo represents the pinnacle of Italian red wines, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and reflecting the rich Italian history and tradition of the Barolo region.

Ruby Red with Orange Reflections

Ruby red in color with orange reflections, signaling the wine's maturity and complexity. The color evolution is characteristic of Nebbiolo and indicates proper aging.

Tertiary Complexity

An intense bouquet, with tertiary notes of rose, leather, tobacco and emerging notes of violet and tar. These developed aromas showcase the wine's evolution and complexity.

Ample & Embracing Palate

The palate is ample and embracing, with prevailing impressions of a soft, persistent long finish. The wine envelops the palate with rich, satisfying flavors.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, a glass of Damilano Barolo elevates the feast, making every meal memorable. This wine enhances every dining experience.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Jeff Porter of the Wine Enthusiast writes 91 Points | Roasted cherries, warmed clove and star anise aromas waft from the glass as dried floral hints and wild thyme rise as the wine opens. Mouthfilling with loads of mixed wild berries fresh, dried and preserved all combined with oak spice finishing with subtle earth and superfine tannins. Drink now–2040. 

Bruce Sanderson of the Wine Spectator writes 91 Points | A dense, compact red marked by plum, cherry, leather, forest floor and tar aromas and flavors. Well-balanced and lingers on the finish, where chalky tannins leave their impression. Best from 2027 through 2042. 

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer, writes: Good varietal expression in this 2018 Barbaresco, with delicate aromas of spiced plums, rose petals, violets, strawberry blossoms, cinnamon, nutmeg and saddle leather. Medium bodied in the mouth with savory complexity and supple tannins that carry through the finish. A perfect wine for stews and slow roasted wild game, as well as hearty pasta and strong cheese.

Expert Review - 2018 

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points: Penetrating aromas of warmed cherries soaked with cinnamon, clove and anise that develop into dried rose petals, forest floor. The palate has a core of savory spice wrapped around drying wild red berries and Alpine herbs framed by well-placed tannins and electric acidity. A wine worthy of the cellar. Drink now–2040.

Vinous 92 Points: The 2018 Barbaresco from La Ganghija is a bold, pungent Treiso Barbaresco. Wild cherry, spice, leather, tobacco and menthol are front and center in this wild, pleasantly rustic Barbaresco. There is certainly plenty of character here. Readers should expect an austere style, though.

Winemaker Notes

Complex structure offering notes of wild berries, black cherry and liquorice combined with light spice and vanilla acquired during ageing in wood. Typically austere on the palate, but warm and embracing, with extraordinary persistence and freshness in the finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Kerin O'Keefe writes 97 Points | The compelling 2020 Monvigliero from Paolo Scavino has intense aromas recalling blue flower, ripe berry, dried mint and new leather. Full-bodied and enveloping, it shows structure, concentration and elegance in the form of fleshy cherry, crushed strawberry, blood orange and licorice before closing on a mentholated note. Velvety tannins provide taut support and texture. It's utterly delicious.

James Suckling 96 Points | Harmonious, well-structure and layered. The nose shows aromas of wild strawberries, sour cherries, dried herbs, crushed stones and flowers. It's medium- to full-bodied with finely grained tannins, yet it is still firm at this stage supported by fresh acidity. Precise with a dense but juicy texture and harmonious structure. Long finish.

Wine Enthusiast 96 Points | Deep and mysterious, this Barolo initially presents a dark, brooding character that gradually reveals its true potential. Layers of ripe red cherries, juicy plums and blackberries emerge on the palate, accompanied by hints of licorice, tobacco and earthy truffle. Robust, well-structured tannins provide a firm backbone, promising a long and rewarding journey ahead. Patience will be richly rewarded.

"The Wine Spectator 94 Points | A darker expression of Barolo in 2020, featuring black cherry and black currant fruit, earth, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Dense and even slightly brooding, with burly tannins guarding the long finish. Less expressive than its peers at this stage yet promising.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Coming from an esteemed site in Verduno, the 2020 Barolo Monvigliero is a dark ruby hue and opens to notes of ripe black raspberries, grenadine, candied roses, sweet soil, and fresh sage. Medium-bodied, it's rounded and approachable up front before revealing ripe tannins and a savory saline finish with notes of fresh orange. It is another impressive and highly refined wine from the Scavino family to drink over the coming 15-20 years.

Winemaker Description 

This Barolo comes from the stately Monvigliero vineyard, that can properly  be considered the “grand cru” of the village Verduno. This cru was first vinified in 2000 vintage and blended into generic Barolo until the 2007 vintage when this vineyard has been bought by the Scavino family and bottled as a single cru.
Great finesse and aromatic complexity, distinctly floral spicy, savory, balsamic in its expression. The nose is vivid and multilayered. The texture is precise. An extremely elegant cru, feminine and full of character.

Producer Description 

Tasting Notes: Color: Garnet red. Nose: Very intense, elegant, fruity. Palate: Dry, austere, warm, tannic, fresh, intense, with good persistence.

The Grasso family has been producing wine since 1927; Federico Grasso started bottling in 1980, and has "produced a bevy of sensational efforts over recent vintages" (Robert Parker). His sophisticated, modern Barolos are particularly notable for avoiding excessive wood aromas; to this end, Grasso prefers to use large barrels rather than barriques for maturation, and uses less than 30% new wood even on his single-vineyard bottlings.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com writes | The ruby-garnet colored 2017 Barolo has a classic textbook Nebbiolo bouquet, with perfumed aromas of earthy plums, violets, tar, leather, tobacco and balsamic spice. Medium bodied with multi-layered complexity and a sumptuous delicacy that brings about a sensuous mouthfeel. Good acidity and supple tannins bring harmony and balance to the lasting finish.

 

Winemaker Description 

The Alpi Retiche IGT Bianco produced by Nino Negri is a wine that reflects the uniqueness and diversity of the mountain territory of the Rhaetian Alps in Lombardy. This white wine is the result of Nino Negri's ability to create wines that express the richness and complexity of their terroir, in a geographical and climatic context particularly favorable for quality viticulture.

Visually, Alpi Retiche IGT Bianco has a light and bright straw yellow color, with greenish reflections that anticipate its freshness. On the nose, the wine unfolds a delicate and pleasantly aromatic bouquet, with notes of fresh fruit, such as green apple and pear, accompanied by floral nuances and a touch of minerality, typical of mountain wines.

On the palate, this white wine reveals itself to be light, fresh and harmonious. The acidity is well balanced and contributes to a pleasant sensation of liveliness, accompanied by delicate flavors of fresh fruit and a light herbaceous note in the finish, which adds complexity and persistence.

This wine is perfect for accompanying light appetizers, fish and seafood dishes, fresh salads and delicate cheeses. It is also an excellent choice as an aperitif, thanks to its ability to stimulate the appetite and be enjoyed in convivial moments.

 

Winemaker Description 

A superb and age-worthy Barolo by Giacomo Conterno, from the Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. 100% Nebbiolo. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in large oak casks. Red fruits, roses, tar, licorice and spices notes. Powerful and complex. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

Expert Reviews 97 Points Wine Advocate | Of the three Barolo samples I tasted from barrel (including Arione and Cerretta, which are also from Serralunga d'Alba), the Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia was the furthest behind and the hardest to pin down at this stage in its infancy. I have opened my range of scores accordingly to compensate for the magical unknowns that are likely to occur as the wine moves toward greater harmony and integration before its commercial release. The wine is linear and pointedly focused, lacking the width and volume it will gain when given more time to flesh out and relax. The aromas are also quite primary and simple at this point, with dark cherry and even a hint of ripe strawberry ceding gradually to grilled herb, blue flower and baked brick. This vintage of Barolo Francia will require patience. (2018).

95 Points Wine Spectator | Delivers depth and power, with menthol and wild herbs shading cherry and plum flavors. The balance tips toward the tannins in the end, yet this doesn't feel overly astringent, just more structured than many '18s. Picks up a mineral element as this lingers on the finish. Be patient. (2018).

95+ Points Vinous | The 2018 Barolo Francia is powerful, deep and also a touch austere. It shows the edginess of all the 2018s, but also has a feeling of textural creaminess that adds tons of character. Spice, menthol, leather and a whole range of balsamic overtones build into the deep, imposing finish. Roberto Conterno decided to forego his Barolo Monfortino in 2018, opting instead to blend all the casks into his Francia bottling. When that happens, Francia often surprises down the road. That could very well turn out to be the case here. (2018).

Monica Larner writes:  The Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia has opened beautifully since I last tasted this wine at the winery two years ago. It was closed back then (no surprise since I tasted it as an unfinished sample), but with the distance of time, the wine has blossomed to show blackcurrant, cassis, aniseed, blue flower and pencil shaving. The Francia is known for its magical combination of power and nuance, both delivered with seamless intensity. This vintage offers a savory component with hints of toasted spice or spent ember. The tannins are fine and polished.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | This exhibits violets and tar, as well as underbrush and a distant bitter-chocolate note. The palate is angular and incisive, well-constructed with a harmonious interplay between the focused acidity, fine grained tannins and delineated, fleshy fruit. Precise. Best ever from here. Better in 2028.

The Wine Spectator by Bruce Sanderson 94 Points | A sleek, elegant red, silky in texture and linear in profile. Rose, macerated cherry, strawberry, mineral and spice flavors abound, while a line of energetic tannins shows up on the long finish. This wine's purity and structure show the potential of the vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck by Audrey Frick 93 Points |  One of the overachievers of the vintage for a regional Barolo and a strong contender for top of the year lists, the 2021 Barolo Ludo pours a reflective brick red color and is attractive on the nose with notes of cinnamon sticks, fresh cherries, mossy earth, and anise. The palate offers a good balance of richness in the structure of its medium-bodied frame, with ripe tannins, lovely clarity of fruit, and refreshing ripe acidity. A gorgeous entry-level Barolo, it’s stunning now and has the potential to age with ease over the next 12-15 years.

Memo Summary Notes

The Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo "Ludo" 2021 is a significant release, as 2021 is being hailed as an exceptional, "best-ever" vintage for this specific bottling. Unlike Einaudi’s single-vineyard crus (like Cannubi or Bussia), Ludo is a blend of Nebbiolo from younger vines across those famous sites, designed to be more approachable in its youth.

Why "Ludo"? The name comes from the Latin ludus, meaning "playful."

Pair with Wild mushroom risotto or tajarin pasta with truffles.

Meats: Braised beef short ribs or herb-crusted lamb chops.

Cheese: Aged Grana Padano or Castelmagno.

Audrey Frick - Jeb Dunnuck - 96 Points | The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Paje pours a deeper red hue and is polished on the nose with aromas of black cherries candied berries polished leather sweet herbs and balsamic herbs. Usually this site has a brighter more floral character but here it has a bit more richness with an outstanding balance of savoriness velvety textured tannins and dark stony underpinnings seamlessly weaving together through the long finish. It's an exceptional wine in this vintage and should have a wide window for enjoyment over the coming 20 years.

Antonio Galloni - Vinous Media - 95 Points | The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is a classic wine from this site. Deeply spiced and balsamic notes meld into a core of dark, sepia-toned Nebbiolo fruit. A Barbaresco of real presence and substance, the Pajè makes itself felt. It's one of my early dark horse favorites in this range from Produttori del Barbaresco. (Drink between 2025-2035).

Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator - 94 Points | The 2020 Pajé is rich even sumptuous offering cherry raspberry blood orange and floral notes squarely more on the fruity side than savory. Fleshy firm and long underscored by dense tannins. Bruce Sanderson This is all about power and structure with cherry blackberry earth wild herb and tar flavors buoyed by a dense matrix of tannins. The fruit is there peeking through the maze briefly before the tannins take hold on the finish; never obtrusive they drive the lingering finish.

Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate - 93 Points | The Pajè vineyard faces the Tanaro River and is tucked at back of a narrow theater of vines. The site is often characterized by a floral note of rose and violet that comes thought nicely in the Produttori del Barbaresco 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè. With those sweet floral notes comes an open-knit mouthfeel and a more immediate drinking style with soft silky tannins. In fact this was the second of nine wines served in a flight that started with the lightest Riservas and ended with the most powerful wines.

Kerin O'Keeffe - 95 Points | The 2020 Pajè Riserva is a beautiful wine starting with its enticing scents of dog rose, violet, eucalyptus, new leather and white pepper. A bit firmer than Pora, the savory palate delivers juicy red cherry, strawberry compote, blood orange and wild herb before an almost salty finish. Fine-grained tannins provide. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Antonio Galloni - Vinous Media - 95 Points | The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is a massive, packed wine. Graphite, crushed rocks, dried herbs and cedar open first. Ovello tends to produce a more linear style of Barbaresco, and that is very much the case here as well. However, the 2020 also possesses notable depth and layers in the mid-palate. It's a gorgeous wine in the making. (Drink between 2025-2035)

Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate - 95 Points | The Ovello vineyard has some northern exposures and generally represents a cooler growing site. You can expect intense fruit flavors and more prominent tannins as a result. The Produttori del Barbaresco 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello fits the bill. Vine growth starts much later and usually lasts longer to produce dark intensity and bold aromas in the wines. In the cold years, the tannins can be aggressive, but in the hot years like 2020, they show better balance. This wine offers ferrous notes of iron and rusty nail followed by cherry-driven sweetness.

Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator - 95 Points | The 2020 Ovello boasts pure cherry and raspberry fruit plus accents of white pepper herbs and mineral. Deep rich and broad shouldered it builds to a long finish with fine grip and energy. Aromas and flavors of hay cherry raspberry and rose are the hallmarks of this elegant succulent red. A fine layer of tannins provides lift and the flavors are well-delineated through the mineral-infused finish. Shows terrific intensity and tension.

Audrey Frick - Jeb Dunnuck - 95 Points | The nose of the 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello offers a more woodsy profile with aromas of pine leather black raspberries sweet floral perfume and licorice candies. The palate is compact and nervous with dark mineral accents refreshing ripe acidity and a long finish. It is going to benefit from another couple of years and show its best over the following 10 although I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 15-20 years either."

Decanter Magazine - 94 Points | Ovello is by far Produttori del Barbaresco's most important cru. Eleven members cultivate 20 hectares on both sides of the ridge: southeast- and southwest-facing. Exposed to the cold air from the north with calcareous soil rich in clay it typically gives a robust potently structured expression. While true to its terroir the 2020 harnesses some of that power making for a harmonious though sturdy whole. Grilled herbs savory dark earth and dense and ripe dark cherry are all held together by well fastened chalky tannins. This is one for the cellar.

Kerin O'Keeffe - 95 Points | Red berry forest floor new leather and spice shape the fragrant nose on the fantastic 2020 Ovello Riserva. Showing the structure derived from the cru's predominately clayey soils it has a backbone of firm but refined tannins that accompany juicy Marasca cherry tangerine and spicy notes of star anise."

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is supple and complex, delivering cherry, strawberry, summer meadow, earth, leather and iron aromas and flavors. Firmly structured, this picks up a hint of licorice as it winds down on the lingering finish, with tannins that are solid yet civilized. Shows fine potential. Best from 2028 through 2046. 1,670 cases made, 540 cases imported.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The medium red 2020 Barolo Cascina Nuova is spiced and fruity with notes of ripe grenadine, pink peppercorn, dried apricots, and polished leather. Open and approachable, it offers ripe, supple tannins, even acidity, and a clean finish with good length. It’s a very charming wine with a wide drinking window for enjoyment over the next 10 years.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Barbaresco is a fine entry-level offering from Giacosa. This perfumed, mid-weight Barbaresco is all charm. Crushed flowers, bright red fruit, blood orange, spice and mint open first. Silky, polished tannins give this pliant, alluring Barbaresco tons of character. A delight.

Memo Summary Notes

Carlo Giacosa is a fourth-generation family estate in the heart of Barbaresco. 

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2019

Wine Spectator — 97 Points
"This pure and stylish Barolo features rose, strawberry, cherry, mineral and underbrush aromas and flavors. Though silky in texture, this is well-structured, with integrated tannins and harmony. This is all about finesse and texture, with excellent length and a mineral aftertaste."

About Monprivato

Monprivato is one of the most celebrated single-vineyard crus in all of Barolo — and Giuseppe Mascarello’s exclusive domain. Located in Castiglione Falletto, the vineyard sits on a south-southwest facing slope of Helvetian soils: compact Tortonian marl and limestone that impart the signature minerality, structure, and aromatic complexity for which Monprivato is legendary. The Mascarello family has farmed Monprivato since 1904 and today owns virtually the entire cru — a rarity in Barolo, where vineyard fragmentation is the norm. The result is a wine of singular identity: unmistakably Monprivato, unmistakably Mascarello.

About Giuseppe e Figlio Mascarello

Founded in 1881 in Monchiero and later relocated to Castiglione Falletto, Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio is one of Piedmont’s most revered and traditional producers. Under the stewardship of Mauro Mascarello — and now his son Giuseppe — the estate has remained steadfastly committed to traditional Barolo winemaking: long macerations, large Slavonian oak casks, and extended aging. No shortcuts, no modernization for its own sake. The Mascarello Barolo Monprivato is consistently ranked among the greatest wines of Italy and among the finest Nebbiolos produced anywhere in the world.

2019 Vintage Notes

The 2019 vintage in Piedmont is widely regarded as one of the greatest in a generation — a warm, dry year that produced wines of exceptional concentration, structure, and longevity. For Barolo, 2019 delivered the ideal combination of ripeness and natural acidity, resulting in wines that are approachable young yet built to age for decades. Monprivato 2019 is considered a benchmark release: powerful, precise, and destined for a long cellar life.

Food Pairings

White truffle dishes, braised Piedmontese beef (brasato al Barolo), wild boar, roasted lamb, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and tajarin with meat ragù. A wine built for the Piedmontese table — and for the most special occasions.

Product Details

• Producer: Giuseppe e Figlio Mascarello
• Vineyard: Monprivato (single vineyard cru)
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Soils: Tortonian marl and limestone (Helvetian)
• Aging: Extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks, traditional method
• Vintage: 2019
• Drink: 2026–2050+
• Style: Elegant, structured, age-worthy traditional Barolo
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description

The 2019 Bernardot is dark and austere with wonderful nuances of ripe red fruit. Tannins are very silky and delicate in this 2019, showing a lot of finesse, typical from the Barbaresco area. It’s an elegant and very expressive Barbaresco. One of the favorite vineyards of winemaker Alessandro Ceretto.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate Monica Larner 95 Points writes | The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine.  (2019).

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2025. (2019).

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Enthusiast by Kerin O'Keeffe 95 Points | Editors' Choice | Delicate aromas of blue flower, red berry and a hint of underbrush waft out of the glass. Elegant and firmly structured, the savory palate offers crushed raspberry, ripe cherry and baking spice alongside taut tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. 2027–2039.

Vinous by Antonio Galloni writes 94 Points | The 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà is another compelling wine in this range from Castello di Verduno. Sweet red cherry, kirsch, rose petal, mint, spice, earthiness, crushed rocks and pipe tobacco are all beautifully lifted. Medium in body, with compelling inner sweetness and tons of finesse, the 2019 is positively stellar. Best of all, it will drink well with minimal cellaring, which is unusual for a Rabajà.

Decanter 92 Points | Great complexity of pot pourri, wild strawberry, cherry and licorice. Tannins are firm yet fine, bold and fleshy with energy and pep too. Austere yet precise finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2019 Castello di Verduno Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is a masterpiece of traditional winemaking, sourced from one of the most famous and powerful crus in Barbaresco.

While the estate's standard Barbaresco and the "Rabajà-Bas" bottling are impressive, the Riserva is only produced in exceptional years. The 2019 vintage in Piedmont is widely considered "classic" and high-structured, making this Riserva a true collector's item with decades of life ahead.

 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Decanter 93 Points | A blend of parcels all within the village of Verduno, this Barolo sees a classic vinification in stainless steel with a 30-day maceration and ageing in Slavonian oak casks. It's a lovely representation of the township and makes a fine point of entry for the estate’s Monvigliero and Massara bottlings. Lifted scents of mint and pepper take a grounding turn as truffle comes into focus. The palate is awash with strawberry and cherry, while lively acidity vaults and powdery tannins provide an elegant frame. Zesty citrus prolongs the finish. Well executed and joyfully approachable already. Drinking Window: 2025-2033.

JebDunnuck.com by Audrey Frick writes 92 Points | A bright red color, the 2021 Barolo reveals more complexity on the nose, with focused notes of red cherries, cracked pepper, toasted spice, and thyme. The palate brings forward a nice level of energy, with medium-bodied richness, the refreshing spice of acidity, well-defined tannins, and a very nice finish. It has a lot to offer now or over the coming 10 years. Drink: 2025-2035.

Memo Summary Notes

Regional Classics: Agnolotti del plin with butter and sage, or Tajarin with shaved truffles.

Proteins: Roasted veal, duck breast with balsamic glaze, or mushroom risotto.

Cheese: Delicate but earthy cheeses like Toma or younger Pecorino.

 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Decanter 93 Points | The 2022 is a charming, elegant rendition of the vintage expressing raspberry and strawberry with snaps of coriander and allspice. Seamless in flow, the palate is underscored by sweet acid and framed by soft, silky tannins. Juicy and drinkable now but with enough grip for the next seven to eight years. A blend of the estate's parcels in the distinguished MGAs of Rabajà, Rabajà-bas and Faset, Castello di Verduno's classic Barbaresco ages in large Slavonian oak casks.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Barbaresco is a gracious, classy wine that captures the essence of the house style. Crushed flowers, sweet, red-toned fruit, orange peel, spice and rose petals are some of the notes that grace this understated, sensual Barbaresco. Soft tannins add to a feeling of approachability. What a pretty and engaging wine this is.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Pouring a bright medium ruby hue, the 2022 Barbaresco opens to notes of ripe cranberries, cinnamon, orange peel, and fresh flowers. The palate retains very nice freshness in this hot, dry vintage, with refreshing acidity, ripe tannins, and a clean, medium-bodied feel with a graceful and fruity finish. It's a highly charming offering to drink over the coming 6-8 years.

Memo Summary Notes

Verduno is a small town and the histories of the wineries located there are intertwined.

The Castle of Verduno, constructed in the early 1500s, was under the jurisdiction of the House of Savoy for much of its history until the Burlotto family purchased it in 1909.

The winery's philosophy is to produce wines that speak of place in a classic way and are also sustainable and protect the land. As such, they practice organic farming and are meticulous both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Minimal SO2 and also vinifies with indigenous yeast. Their wines are firmly traditional in style though never rustic; in fact just the opposite, they retain a rare elegance and purity.

Pair with

• Traditional: Tajarin pasta with a butter and sage sauce or a rich meat ragù.

• Savory: Roast pork tenderloin, braised beef short ribs, or a wild mushroom risotto.

Renato Cigliuti may produce some of the best damn Barbaresco you’ve never heard of, but he is, first and foremost, a farmer. In fact, he comes from four generations of farmers who have tilled the Langhe soils to support their families. So, it came as a great shock to Renato’s family and their neighbors in the early 1960s when Renato decided to begin green harvesting, a practice utilized by very few producers at the time. His neighbors wanted to have him committed for “throwing away money,” but Renato had a clear idea of what he wanted to accomplish, having always believed that the local Langhe soil was capable of producing high quality, long-lasting wines.  Renato warded off his neighbors by explaining to them that if he couldn’t have both quality AND quantity, he preferred to opt for quality.  And quality is exactly what he got when he made his first release of 300 bottles of 1964 Barbaresco.

Over the years Renato did not expand his winery a great deal, mostly because he didn’t think his daughters would be interested in working the land. But life, as it often does, surprised him. Today the winery is run by Claudia and Silvia Cigliuti, with Renato and his wife Dina supervising. Both of his daughters began working on the farm in their spare time as students and fell in love with the countryside – just like their father. And that was that! Now, they are the next generation to bring the wines to the market, and Renato just turned 80 years old!

For the Cigliuti family, 90% of the winemaking process happens in the vineyard. Only in this way can the final product capture the characteristics of a vintage and the identity of a terroir. Work in the cellar is kept to a bare minimum; no selected yeasts are used, and grapes ferment in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. All of the wines age in oak. Total hectares farmed by the family are 7.5; 6 in Serraboella and 1.5 in Bricco di Neive, from which about 30,000 bottles are produced annually.

The 2024 Langhe Nebbiolo has bright fruit with excellent tension. Floral and precise, it will develop in the glass; cherry and spice develop on the mid-palate with superb expression of flavor and subtle length. It is drinking lovely now, but will likely keep well and develop for many years. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 99 Points | The 2021 Barolo Francia is a vertical, explosive Barolo endowed with tons of energy. Bright acids and fine beams of tannin provide the framework for this striking young Barolo. All the elements are so well balanced. Time in the glass brings out an interplay of mineral-drenched energy, persistence and textural breadth. There's a lot of structure, and yet the tannins feel fine-grained and finessed. I especially admire its translucent energy. Magnificent.

Michaela Morris of Decanter Magazine writes 98 Points | As with 2020, Roberto Conterno made all three single-MGA wines in 2021: Cerretta, Arione and Francia. Bottled in May of 2024, the latter is subtlety demonstrative on the nose, albeit with some coaxing. Traces of pressed violet, pomegranate, iron and sage blossom are all detectable. The palate is appropriately taut and strict, though not in complete rigidity. Dark, pristine fruit is densely packed, intricately woven with the refined yet steely tannins which bend back around to the front of the palate, hemming it all in. Savoury, mineral and spicy on the finish. The estate will also release a 2021 Monfortino Riserva – though it is difficult to imagine how it will top this Francia.

Audrey Frick writes:  Tasted from bottle, the 2021 Barolo Francia is a jeweled ruby color, while the nose is very pure, inviting, and perhaps a touch shy, offering notes of pure red berries, cherry liqueur, sweet herbs, and rocky earth. The structure is quite energetic and eclectic in energy, and the palate is just stunning now, with lovely sweetness, although it’s fully dry.  - Jeb Dunnuck 97