Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva "Rio Sordo" DOCG 2021
(Piedmont, Italy) - [JD 97] [VM 96] [WS 96] [WA 95] [JS 95]

About the Winery:
Before 1894, Nebbiolo grapes where sold to make Barolo wine or simply labeled «Nebbiolo di Barbaresco». But in 1894, Domizio Cavazza, headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba and a Barbaresco resident, created the first cooperative, the «Cantine Sociali», by gathering together nine Barbaresco vineyard owners to make wine in the local castle that he owned. He understood well the differences between the same grape, the Nebbiolo, grown in the different areas of Barolo and Barbaresco and, for the first time, recognized it on the wine label.

The «Cantine Sociali» was closed in the 1930’s because of fascist economic rules. In 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the only way the small properties could survive was by joining their efforts, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco. The first three vintages were made in the church basement, then in the winery built across the square where the Produttori is still located.

United once again, the small growers continued the work started by Domizio Cavazza, producing only Barbaresco wine and enhancing both the reputation of the wine and the village. The proud past of Barbaresco and the dedication of its creators have made the Produttori one of the greatest producers in a great wine-producing area; it…«continues to set some of the highest standards of winemaking for any cooperative in the world». (Robert M. Parker, Jr.; The Wine Advocate, 2-28-90).

Founded in 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the only way small properties could survive was by joining their efforts, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco. From its humble beginnings making the first three vintages in the church basement, Produttori del Barbaresco has grown to a 52 member co-operative with 250 acres of Nebbiolo vineyards in the Barbaresco appellation and an annual production of over 500,000 bottles. Its vineyards amount to almost 1/6 of the vineyards of the area. Each member is in full control of their land, growing Nebbiolo grapes with the skill and dedication they have honed over generations.

Playing a key role in elevating the quality level of Barbaresco over the years, Produttori del Barbaresco produces a simpler Nebbiolo Langhe, a Barbaresco blend and nine single vineyard wines produced in premier vineyards: Asili, Rabaja, Pora, Montestefano, Ovello, Paje, Montefico, Muncagota and Rio Sordo.

About this Wine:

Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo

MGA: Rio Sordo

Vineyard size: 4.5 hectares (11.0 acres)

Vineyard exposure: south - west

Soil: calcareous limestone with sandy veins

Vinification: fermentation at 30°c (85°f), 28 days of skin contact time, malolactic completed

Ageing: in 25-50 hl oak barrels for at least 30 months

Vintage: medium body vintage with intense mineral and spicy aromas, balanced ripe tannins and elegant finish

Vineyard character: elegant wines of medium body, silky tannins and long finish

Longevity: 20 years from the vintage

Vineyard owners: Alutto, Marengo

Food matches: fresh egg-pasta dishes, risotto, white and red meat, game, venaison

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck: 
"The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo pours a jeweled ruby hue, slightly deeper than the Pora, and shows an inviting nose of framboise, wet river stones, lavender, and small purple flowers. Medium-bodied, it reveals bright red fruit and cranberry notes with well-defined tannins and a mouthwatering granular texture. The oak sits more in the background here compared to the Pora. Roughly 13,333 bottles were produced. Drink 2027-2057." – Audrey Frick (Apr 2026)

96 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo marries finesse and power. Open-knit aromatics make a strong first impression. Layered and resonant in the glass, with tons of supporting structure, the Rio Sordo is going to need a few years to come into its own. Crushed rose petal, cedar, spice and tobacco lend notable finesse. The 2021 needs time, but it's got the goods. The explosive, aromatic finish is sublime." – Antonio Galloni (Oct 2025)

96 Points - Wine Spectator: 
"Dense and even square-shouldered, with a smoldering inner core of black cherry and blackberry fruit shaded by iron and underbrush flavors. Fresh and harmonious despite a swath of broad tannins on the finish, which goes on and on. Best from 2029 through 2047. 1,680 cases made, 400 cases imported." – Bruce Sanderson (Mar 2026)

95 Points - Wine Advocate: 
"The Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is a wine of finesse and measured restraint with a playful and accessible personality. Rio Sordo generally falls among the more delicate and lighter-weight wines in this collection of nine Riservas, often occupying a comfortable middle ground in the tasting lineup. The 2021 vintage underscores those qualities with elegant fruit, graceful structure and a sense of effortless balance. Silky tannins frame a medium- to full-bodied texture, giving the wine extra polish. Sourced from 4.5 hectares of limestone soils, this release was fermented in stainless steel and aged in large oak botti, with a production of 13,300 bottles. Rio Sordo may not seek power, but it delivers charm and remarkable drinkability." – Monica Larner (Jul 2026)

95 Points - James Suckling: 
"Dark and floral, showing aromas of potpourri combined with dried cherries, tangy pomegranate and a bit of earthy minerality. Almost supple, with medium to full body and a savory palate of candied orange peel. Firm tannins are dusty yet ripe, with refreshing acidity. March 2026 release. Drink or hold." (Nov 2025)