2019 Barbaresco Montefico Riserva

Dark ruby red, the 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico reveals expressive notes of black raspberry, mossy earth, black truffle, leather, and violets. Medium-bodied, it fills the palate with ripe tannins, salty earth, mouthwatering acidity, and a rich feel. It’s more powerful and assertive in its structure, with building tannins and a rich feel to its texture. It’s a more robust style but has a lot to offer over the coming 15 years. As one of the most important and quality-minded co-operatives in the world, Produttori del Barbaresco is currently composed of 51 growers across Barbaresco. Founded in 1894 by Domizio Cavazza, the headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba, it was originally a collection of nine growers. Today the operations are managed by Aldo Vacca, who was formerly the assistant to Angelo Gaja for 15 years.

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is one of the most searingly tannic wines in the range. Readers will have to be patient with the 2019, as it is going to need time. As always, Montefico is a Barbaresco built on linear intensity more than size. In 2019, the qualities are quite accented. Time in the glass opens the bouquet nicely, but the 2019 remains quite closed.