Frequently Asked Questions
The Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello Riserva 2019 is a masterful expression of the Nebbiolo grape, delivering the elegance and complexity that define Barbaresco wines. Hailing from the Ovello cru, the northernmost vineyard in Barbaresco, this Riserva exudes intense aromas of dark-skinned berries, violet, forest floor, and a hint of leather. Full-bodied and impeccably structured, it showcases flavors of ripe cherry, raspberry, and licorice, supported by firm yet refined tannins and a refreshing acidity that ensures aging potential for decades. Perfect for pairing with rich dishes like game, risottos, or roasted meats, the Ovello Riserva 2019 embodies finesse and power in every sip, offering a truly unforgettable tasting experience.
Process & Profile
The Ovello Barbaresco Riserva is made by Produttori del Barbaresco, one of Piedmont's most esteemed cooperatives. The Ovello vineyard, known for its limestone-rich marl soils and ideal exposure, provides the foundation for this stellar wine. Following strict DOCG regulations, the wine is aged for over four years, including significant time in large oak barrels. This meticulous process imbues the wine with its signature complexity and ensures it meets the high standards of Barbaresco Riserva classification. This 100% Nebbiolo wine exhibits a distinctly powerful yet elegant profile. Known for its robust structure, it combines high acidity and firm tannins with a beautifully harmonious balance of fruit, earth, and spice.Tasting Notes
The 2019 vintage is a testament to the Ovello vineyard's exceptional quality. This full-bodied wine captivates with its aromas of ripe raspberry, black cherry, and violets, interwoven with earthy hints of forest floor, leather, and licorice. Its palate is equally impressive, with bright acidity and fine-grained tannins that highlight flavors of red berries, marionberries, tobacco, and sweet herbs. The finish is long and savory, marked by clean saline notes. While the wine is approachable now, its structure and depth indicate considerable aging potential, promising further development of its tertiary characteristics, such as leather and truffle.What Makes It Special
- Terroir-Driven Excellence: The Ovello vineyard's location in the Barbaresco DOCG zone provides optimal conditions for cultivating Nebbiolo, with limestone soils and favorable sun exposure contributing to the wine's nuanced character.
- Produttori Heritage: As a cooperative representing over 50 growers, Produttori del Barbaresco brings decades of expertise and a strong commitment to quality, ensuring every bottle reflects the region's winemaking heritage.
- Aging Potential: While approachable in its youth, Ovello Riserva is built to evolve over decades, showcasing the aging capacity of Barbaresco Riserva wines. It develops deeper notes of tar, dried rose petals, and truffle with time.
- Critical Acclaim: Consistently rated in the mid-90s by wine critics, the 2019 vintage has been praised for its balance, elegance, and impressive structure, cementing its place as a standout among Barbaresco wines.
How to Enjoy
To savor Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello Riserva at its best, follow these recommendations:- Serving Temperature: Serve between 16–18°C (60–64°F) to fully appreciate its complexity.
- Decanting: Decant for 1–2 hours to allow its bouquet to open up and its tannins to soften, enhancing its aroma and flavor profile.
- Food Pairing: This bold and structured wine pairs exquisitely with rich Italian dishes, such as Osso Buco, risotto with truffles, or tajarin with ragu. It also complements roasted meats, aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, and hearty game dishes like braised wild boar or veal.
- Aging: While drinkable now, this wine will reward patience, becoming more nuanced and harmonious over the next 15–20 years.
The Epitome of Barbaresco
The Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello Riserva is a wine of profound finesse, rich character, and timeless appeal. Its combination of meticulous craftsmanship, exceptional terroir, and aging potential makes it a pinnacle expression of Barbaresco's elegance. Perfect for connoisseurs and collectors, it is a wine to be shared during life's most special occasions.Frequently Asked Questions
What type of grape is used to produce Produttori Barbaresco Ovello?
Produttori Barbaresco Ovello is made exclusively from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, grown in the Ovello vineyard within the prestigious Barbaresco appellation in Piedmont, Italy.
What are the tasting notes of Produttori Barbaresco Ovello?
Produttori Barbaresco Ovello offers a rich bouquet of dark cherry, ripe plum, and floral notes of violets, complemented by hints of licorice, truffles, and earthy undertones like tar. As it ages, the wine develops more complex tertiary aromas like leather and spice.
How long can Produttori Barbaresco Ovello be aged?
Thanks to its high tannins and acidity, Produttori Barbaresco Ovello is a highly age-worthy wine. It matures beautifully for 10-20 years or longer depending on the vintage, gaining complexity as the tannins soften and aromatic depth increases.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
This wine is best served at 18-20°C (64-68°F) to fully express its aromas and flavors. It's advisable to decant the wine for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow it to breathe.
What foods pair well with Produttori Barbaresco Ovello?
This elegant but structured wine pairs perfectly with rich and hearty dishes such as roasted meats, stews, game (like venison or boar), truffle-based dishes, and aged cheeses. It also complements traditional Piedmontese cuisine like tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms or risotto with truffles.
What makes the Ovello vineyard special?
Ovello is one of the nine single-vineyard crus produced by Produttori del Barbaresco. Located at a slightly higher altitude, its cooler climate and limestone-rich marl soil contribute to wines with pronounced acidity, firm structure, and a characteristic balance of elegant fruit and earthiness.
How does Produttori Barbaresco Ovello differ from Barolo?
Though both wines are made from Nebbiolo, Barbaresco wines, including Ovello, are less tannic and more approachable at a younger age compared to Barolo. They also tend to have a more elegant, feminine style due to the slightly warmer, maritime-influenced climate of the Barbaresco region.
What is the aging requirement for Barbaresco Ovello?
According to DOCG regulations, Barbaresco must be aged for a minimum of 26 months, including at least nine months in oak. The "Riserva" designation, such as for Ovello in exceptional vintages, requires a minimum of 50 months, with extended time in wood and bottle to enhance its complexity.
How many bottles of Produttori Barbaresco Ovello are produced annually?
The production varies depending on vintage conditions, but as one of the nine single-vineyard wines from Produttori del Barbaresco, Ovello represents a small, carefully crafted proportion of their total 550,000-bottle production.
Why is Barbaresco considered a great wine?
Barbaresco, including Ovello, is celebrated for its finesse, elegant structure, and ability to age gracefully, showcasing the full potential of Nebbiolo grapes. Its balance of acidity, tannins, and complex flavor profile makes it one of Italy's most prestigious wines alongside Barolo.
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