2019 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello displays a similar youthful red color but is riper and more seductive in its floral perfume of violets, black raspberries, tea leaf, and sweet herbs. It is broader and rounder on the palate, with ripe tannins, a bit more of an expansive feel, and a touch of warmth on the finish. It’s going to drink well over the next 15-20 years. As one of the most important and quality-minded co-operatives in the world, Produttori del Barbaresco is currently composed of 51 growers across Barbaresco. Founded in 1894 by Domizio Cavazza, the headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba, it was originally a collection of nine growers. Today the operations are managed by Aldo Vacca, who was formerly the assistant to Angelo Gaja for 15 years.

The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is powerful, savory and intensely linear, in classico Ovello style, and yet it appears to have enough fruit behind its imposing tannins to develop well over the coming years. In this tasting, the Ovello feels pretty closed post bottling, but its inherent balance and qualities are there. Clean saline notes extend the finish in promising fashion.