Drink: 2027-2049
98 Points Kerin O'Keefe
The Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Montestefano possesses heady aromas of iris, violet, red berry and spice. Firm and full-bodied, the palate boasts great energy and intensity that lifts ripe Morello cherry, orange peel, cranberry and licorice. It’s well balanced, with bright acidity.
97 Points Vinous
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is a dense, hulking wine. Powerful and dense to the core, the Montestefano is a big, broad-shouldered wine that is going to need a few years to be at its most expressive. Dark-toned fruit, new leather, spice, menthol are all amplified in this potent Barbaresco.
96 Points Wine Spectator
Black currant, blackberry, violet, tobacco and sweet spices highlight this suave, fruity red. Opulent for the vintage and solidly built, with a long, resonant finish that echoes the fruit and adds iron and mineral notes. Excellent length. Best from 2029 through 2047.
96 Points James Suckling
Youthful on the nose, showing bright, lively aromas of red and dark fruits, leafy lightness, wild strawberries and black cherries with a whiff of blood oranges and earthy, chocolaty depth. The gorgeous full-bodied palate, structured and extracted, has firm, velvety tannins and tense acidity, leading to a balanced, endless, licorice finish. March 2026 release. Drink or hold.
Winemaker Notes
Nicknamed the Barolo of Barbaresco, the vineyards of Montestefano are known for producing rich, powerful Nebbiolo. Situated just a few hundred metres south of the equally-famous Montefico vineyard, Montestefano’s southern exposure provide sunlight for the grapes to ripen, while the steep calcareous limestone slopes drain well. These conditions ensure good harvests even in wet vintages. Sheltered from the northern winds, Montestefano’s microclimate is relatively warm, so its Nebbiolo develops a ripe, full profile.
The Montestefano Riserva shows how great terroir and winemaking can come together to allow Nebbiolo to express its potential in the glass. Hand-picked grapes were macerated for 28 days, then aged in large oak botti for 36 months. The wine spent a further 12 months in bottle where it developed intense flavours of red fruit, spice, leather, tobacco, and dried rose. It’s a full-bodied wine with silky tannins and a long finish.
Drink: 2028 - 2045
