🍷 Visit to Produttori del Barbaresco — A Journey Through Time and Terroir

In June 2024, I had the privilege of visiting Produttori del Barbaresco, located right in the heart of the Barbaresco village, beneath the iconic Torre del Barbaresco.

While tasting their flagship 2019/2020 vintages and two outstanding 2019 single-vineyard wines, I was especially fortunate to experience a true gem —

✨ 1970 Produttori del Barbaresco “Moccagatta” Riserva in pristine condition.

🧠 Fascinating Facts from the Visit:

1. DOC to DOCG: Barbaresco was originally designated as a DOC and only became a DOCG in 1980, the same year as Barolo.
2. Cru Name Change: “Moccagatta” is no longer used on labels to avoid confusion with a producer. It’s now listed as “Muncagota”, the Piedmontese dialect version.
3. Historic Vintage: This bottle was from the 4th vintage of this cru, which started production in 1967.
4. Unusual Format: The bottle was 720ml, not the standard 750ml.
5. Terroir Talk: Muncagota sits on high-elevation, southeast-facing slopes with calcareous limestone — morning sun and soil structure help preserve freshness and finesse.

🍷 Tasting Note – 1970 “Moccagatta” Riserva

Condition: Impeccable. No need to decant — it opened up beautifully with the right glass.

• Color: Medium garnet fading to tawny at the rim
• Nose: Medium+ intensity; leather, cocoa, black tea, hazelnut, orange marmalade, strawberry jam, vanilla, and dried rose petals
• Palate: Dry and savory with an interplay of spice, dried cherry, and red berry fruit; silky tannins, bright acidity, and a seamless texture

Verdict:

Drink now. This wine has aged gracefully, expressing harmony, finesse, and a deep sense of place.

🍷 Side-by-Side: 2019 Rabajà Riserva vs. Asili Riserva

— Same Producer, Same Vintage, But Two Distinct Worlds —

During the same visit to Produttori del Barbaresco, I tasted two legendary single vineyards side by side:

🥂 2019 Rabajà Riserva vs. 2019 Asili Riserva

🌍 What makes them different?

Soil & Terroir — the heart of Barbaresco identity.

🏔 Rabajà

• Location: More inland, higher elevation with southwest exposure
• Soil: Limestone & clay, rich in calcium, with sandy veins
• Style: Structured and bold; the powerhouse of the range

Tasting Notes:

• Deep intensity
• Firm, high tannins with great aging potential
• Emerging inner sweetness
• Red berries, dried florals, subtle spice

🌸 Asili

• Location: Elegant mid-slope site
• Soil: Limestone with sandy veins
• Style: Delicate and refined, with a lighter touch

Tasting Notes:

• Elegant, fine-grained tannins
• Balanced acidity
• Juicy cherry, plum, and earth
• Vibrant energy and finesse

🥂 Final Thoughts

Both wines showcase exceptional typicity and long aging potential.

Rabajà commands with structure; Asili charms with elegance. Together, they reflect the beautiful diversity of Barbaresco’s terroir.