-
96
/ 100
-
95+
/ 100
-
95+
/ 100
-
94
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Produttori del Barbaresco, a historic cooperative founded in 1958 in the village of Barbaresco, is revered for its unwavering commitment to traditional winemaking and the pure expression of Nebbiolo. The Ovello vineyard, one of the nine crus bottled as Riserva in exceptional vintages, is a steep, south-facing slope with calcareous marl soils that yield wines of notable structure and minerality.
The 2013 vintage was marked by a cooler growing season, allowing for extended ripening and the development of complex aromatics. Grapes were hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel, followed by 36 months of ageing in large Slavonian oak casks, adhering to the cooperative’s traditional methods.
The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello presents a deep garnet hue. The nose is intricate, offering aromas of wild berry, camphor, moist earth, and violet. On the palate, it is full-bodied and polished, delivering flavours of juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, orange slice, and white pepper. The wine’s assertive tannins and bright acidity provide a structure that promises longevity. A soothing liquorice note lingers on the finish, adding to its complexity.
This wine is approachable now but will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 10 to 15 years. It pairs exceptionally well with hearty dishes such as roast lamb with rosemary, duck confit, or a traditional cassoulet, where the wine’s depth and complexity complement the richness of the food.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: Red
Variety: Nebbiolo
Vintage: 2013
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont, Barbaresco
Alcohol %: 14.5%
Cellaring: 15 Plus Years
Scores
96 / 100""The Produttori's 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is all power, tension and nerve. Even so, the 2013 is remarkably civilized and much less austere than young Ovello Barbarescos usually are. Scents of cranberry, white pepper and mint give the wine its signature high-toned aromatics. The Ovello has a Volnay-like purity to its fruit, with Nebbiolo tannins and structure, of course. If that sounds appealing, well, it is. Vivid, sculpted and impossibly beautiful, the Ovello is simply magnificent.""
- Antonio Galloni
95+ / 100
""The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is the third wine tasted in our lineup of Produttori del Barbaresco Riservas and is one of my favorite expressions overall. The Ovello vineyard site sees a greater presence of limestone in its soil composition, and this factor helps to develop the tannic structure and consistency of the wine. At 18 hectares, Ovello is one of the biggest cru sites sourced by this co-operative estate. Twelve separate farmers tend to their private parcels in Ovello. Fruit from this site is often the main component of Produttori's base Barbaresco along with blending material from Montestefano, Pora and Muncagöta (previously known as Moccagatta). You notice the color graduation getting darker here. The bouquet is expressive and bright and reflective of the cool and crisp late summer and pre-harvest nights.""
- Monica Larner
95+ / 100
""This red starts out with bright cherry, strawberry, rose and mineral flavors, allied to a refined, linear frame. Harmonious now and should be ready soon, but the vivid structure will serve it well into the future.""
- Bruce Sanderson
94 / 100
""2013 was cool with above average rainfall - though less than 2014. Similarly, the weather improved in September and remained clement until harvest began on 8 October. Vacca refers to it as a classic year with temperatures never exceeding 28°C. Brooding earthy aromas make way for white pepper and mint, while flavours of redcurrant and spice lead to lingering dried leaf notes on the finish. Slightly weightier than the sprightly 2014, the 2013 still demonstrates a sinewy edge along with dry, brisk tannins and crunchy acidity. It needs time to smooth out and expand into its full complexity.""
- Decanter
