You should also consider Vietti Perbacco. Declassified Barolo. Similar price point. Widely available. Avoid the 2009. 2010 should be on shelves now. Might need a bit more time than the Produttori Langhe Nebb.
I like both wines, but for some reason don’t have the Prod. I prefer to spend more and get the Prod Barberesco Normale instead. To me the Vietti at $20 works better.
I think the Produttori Langhe could be labeled as Barbaresco. I believe it’s all from the Barbaresco DOC, from young vines and less intense juice that doesn’t make it into the crus, and spends a relatively short time in large, neutral oak barrels. I just picked up a bottle of the 2011, have always enjoyed the other vintages I’ve tried (especially the 2010). It’s typically a great example of the essence of unadulterated Nebbiolo.
-Al
It is not Barbaresco. Here is the label.
Yes, it’s labeled as Langhe. But I think the juice is all Nebbiolo from Barbaresco (although the time in oak may be a little too short).
-Al
You could well be right Al. This comes from the Prod website.
This wine is produced every year by the Produttori del Barbaresco; it ranges from 10 to 30% of the total production depending on the quality of the vintage (the better the vintage is the less Nebbiolo is produced). It is a second label for the Barbaresco and it is made with the grapes from young vines or those vineyards that produced a less intense and concentrated juice. It still has the quality necessary to be classified a Barbaresco, but the Winery declassifies it in order to sell it at a younger age and maintain the Barbaresco quality as high as possible.
David -
Your thread got me to pop the '08 Ovello just now, though partly because I killed the bottle of Bourgueil that I popped last night. Bear in mind that I really do not know what I am doing/drinking here, but this is really good stuff. Beguiling nose of red fruits (cherry), florals and some light tar. Very meaty, chewy. A little heat. First impressions on pop and pour. Will check in later, but just from an educated guess, this is a major ager.
Yep, that’s it. Younger vines, shorter time in barrel.
Has anyone had the '05 Rio Sordo lately? Not too many notes on CT. I’ve got a few in the cellar and was thinking about trying one soon.
I’ve had Rabaja, montefico, mocagatta, paje, and all are approachable and enjoyable. so I wouldn’t hesitate to try Rio Sorda if you want an early peek at how it’s doing.
It’s just okay. Light-bodied, spicey, almost Southern Rhone-ish, and a bit too much heat on the finish. Would not recommend the '11, but then again, this region is relatively new to me. Loved the Ovello.