Produttori del Barbaresco: A cooperative of quality and value

Produttori del Barbaresco stands as a unique and highly respected entity in the Langhe region: a cooperative of over 50 members who collectively own around 120 hectares of Nebbiolo vineyards in the Barbaresco appellation. Founded in 1958, Produttori is known for its commitment to quality and value, producing a Langhe Nebbiolo and a classic Barbaresco in almost every vintage. In exceptional vintages, they also release nine single-vineyard Barbarescos from some of the most prestigious sites within the Barbaresco village limits.

The history of Produttori del Barbaresco dates back to 1894, when Domizio Cavazza, recognizing the distinctive character of Nebbiolo from Barbaresco compared to Barolo, established the first cooperative in the region, Cantine Sociali. However, this early cooperative was eventually dissolved. In the late 1950s, a local priest, Don Fiorino Marengo, inspired by Cavazza's vision, convinced 19 farmers to revive the cooperative, leading to the formation of Produttori del Barbaresco in 1958. Today, the cooperative continues to be a vital force in the Barbaresco family, contributing their products, which contribute to the Barbarescos, Nebbiolo. wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

Produttori del Barbaresco is the only winery in the region that works exclusively with the Nebbiolo grape. This unique focus has allowed them to develop a deep understanding of the variety and its different expressions across their extensive vineyard holdings, which account for almost a sixth of the total vineyard area in the Barbaresco appellation. The cooperative’s commitment to quality winemaking has been paramount since its inception, with investment in equipment and expertise to ensure consistent standards. They use large oak barrels (both French and Slavic) for aging, which minimizes the impact of oak on the finished wine and allows the Nebbiolo fruit to take center stage.

In major vintages, Produttori releases nine single-vineyard Barbarescos from the following classic premium sites: Asili, Rabajà, Pora, Montestefano, Ovello, Pajé, Montefico, Moccagatta (also known as "Muncagöta") and Rio Sordo. These wines showcase the distinct characteristics of each vineyard, highlighting the diverse terroir of the Barbaresco zone.
Produttori del Barbaresco's wines consistently receive high marks from wine critics, recognized for their quality, value, and authentic expression of Nebbiolo. Their foundational Barbaresco DOCG typically earns ratings in the low to mid-90s from publications such as Wine Enthusiast and The Wine Advocate. The single-vineyard Riservas often receive even higher praise, with scores often reaching the mid to high 90s, as seen with their Barbaresco Pajé Riserva.

A distinctive feature of Produttori del Barbaresco is its cooperative model, which allows several small growers to pool their resources and produce high-quality Barbaresco that would otherwise be unattainable for them individually. This structure also gives consumers access to exceptional Nebbiolo wines at a compelling value. The Produttori’s unwavering commitment to quality and their deep understanding of the Barbaresco terroir have solidified their reputation as one of the region’s most trusted and respected producers.