Barbaresco Ovello Riserva (1990)

About this wine

The 1990 Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello Riserva presents a deep garnet hue, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it offers a rich bouquet of dried red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, complemented by notes of tobacco, leather, and a hint of earthy truffle. The palate is full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins that have softened over time, providing a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. Flavors of ripe red berries are interwoven with subtle spice and a touch of licorice, leading to a long, refined finish. This wine exemplifies the aging potential of Nebbiolo from the Ovello vineyard, one of Barbaresco's most esteemed sites, known for producing wines with both power and finesse.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 1990 Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello Riserva, is a historic variety from Italy's Piedmont region, first documented in the 13th century. Its name comes from 'nebbia,' meaning 'fog,' reflecting the misty conditions during its late October harvest. Nebbiolo is known for its high acidity and tannins, requiring careful cultivation and extended aging to develop its full character. In the Ovello vineyard, Nebbiolo thrives in calcareous limestone and clay soils, contributing to the wine's distinctive qualities.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1990 vintage of Produttori del Barbaresco's Ovello Riserva is renowned for its exceptional quality, with critics praising its structure and longevity.
• 🌍 Ovello is the largest single vineyard (cru) in the Barbaresco region, covering approximately 20.3 hectares (50 acres).
• 🪨 The Ovello vineyard's calcareous limestone and clay soils contribute to the wine's firm tannins and aging potential.
• 🤝 Produttori del Barbaresco, established in 1958, is a cooperative of 50 members dedicated exclusively to producing Nebbiolo wines.
• 🛢️ The 1990 Ovello Riserva underwent traditional fermentation with 28 days of skin contact, followed by 36 months in large oak barrels and 12 months in bottle before release.

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.