Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco 2022

This is the gold standard for Barbaresco - rich but refined, with all the classic Nebbiolo hallmarks. After two years in oak, it shows focused cherry and raspberry fruit, floral lift, and a touch of mint, all wrapped in grippy tannins that give it structure without being overbearing. Medium-bodied and balanced, with a juicy, lingering finish, it's a wine that feels both serious and approachable. And compared to a Barolo of similar quality, it's pretty well priced.

Good drinking now and up to the end of the decade. Pair it with something classic and comforting like braised beef in red wine, wild mushroom tagliatelle, or slow-cooked lamb - anything rich and hearty to soak up those tannins.

Situated between the Piedmontese towns of Alba and Asti Produttori del Barbaresco is a peerless co-operative that can take a lot of credit for helping the Barbaresco DOCG gain a reputation not far short of its neighbour Barolo. In 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the best way for the small properties of the village to prosper was by joining forces, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco. The first three vintages were made in the church basement and then in the winery built across the square from where the Produttori is still located. United once again, the small growers continued the work started by Domizio Cavazza, producing only Barbaresco wine and enhancing both the reputation of the wine and the village. The Produttori del Barbaresco now has more than 50 members and over 100 hectares of Nebbiolo vineyards in the Barbaresco appellation, which amounts to almost a sixth of the vineyards of the area. The highly respected Aldo Vacca has been at the helm for over 25 years.