Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo from Produttori del Barbaresco presents a deep garnet color, indicative of its age. On the nose, it offers aromas of dried cherries, leather, and earthy undertones. The palate reveals a silky texture with flavors of tart red fruits, tobacco, and a hint of tar. The tannins have softened over time, providing a balanced structure. This wine showcases the elegance and complexity characteristic of aged Nebbiolo from the renowned Rio Sordo vineyard.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 1985 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo, is renowned for its high acidity and tannins, which contribute to the wine's longevity. The name 'Nebbiolo' is believed to derive from 'nebbia,' the Italian word for fog, reflecting the misty conditions during its late October harvest in Piedmont. This grape has been cultivated in the region since at least the 13th century, with historical records from 1272 mentioning its presence. In Barbaresco, Nebbiolo thrives in calcareous marl soils, producing wines that are slightly more approachable in their youth compared to those from neighboring Barolo.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1985 vintage of Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo from Produttori del Barbaresco is renowned for its elegance and balance, showcasing the silky tannins characteristic of the Rio Sordo vineyard.
• 🏞️ The Rio Sordo vineyard, located in the southern part of the Barbaresco village, is known for producing wines with a smooth elegance and a core of powerful structure, contributing to their complexity and longevity.
• 🤝 Produttori del Barbaresco, established in 1958, is a cooperative that unites 50 growers, collectively managing approximately 110 hectares of vineyards, and is celebrated for producing high-quality Nebbiolo wines.
• 🍇 Barbaresco wines, made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape, are often compared to Barolo but are known for their earlier maturation and slightly softer tannins, making them more approachable at a younger age.
• ☀️ The 1985 vintage in Piedmont was notable for its warm growing season, resulting in wines with ripe fruit flavors and balanced acidity, contributing to their aging potential and overall quality.

Palate profile

Producer

Produttori del Barbaresco, established in 1958 in Italy's Piedmont region, is a cooperative that unites over 50 growers cultivating approximately 100 hectares of Nebbiolo vineyards. This collective effort has been instrumental in producing high-quality Barbaresco wines, showcasing the unique terroir of the area. The cooperative's commitment to quality and tradition has earned it a distinguished reputation among wine enthusiasts worldwide. Notably, Produttori del Barbaresco is the only winery in the region that works exclusively with the Nebbiolo grape, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of the variety and its different expressions across their extensive vineyard holdings.