Wines Piedmont Barbaresco Riserva Don Fiorino, Produttori di Barbaresco 2016 - 2016

Viniou Reviews

Barbaresco Riserva Don Fiorino 2016 by Produttori di Barbaresco is a wine of remarkable finesse and structure. Crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, this Riserva showcases all the elegance and complexity inherent to this noble variety. The 2016 vintage is lauded for its classic style, offering balance, freshness and excellent ageing potential. The grapes are sourced from carefully selected vineyards around the village of Barbaresco, where deep calcareous-clay soils contribute to the wine’s refined tannic structure. Vinification involves extended maceration followed by maturation in large oak casks, allowing the wine to develop aromatic complexity while respecting the grape’s purity. In the glass, this Barbaresco reveals alluring aromas of dried cherries, rose petals, sweet spices and hints of tar, underpinned by a linear and persistent palate, with fine tannins and a long, savoury finish.

The Piedmont region, nestled in northwest Italy, is famed for its rolling vineyards and ancient winemaking tradition. The area benefits from a continental climate with hot summers and cool, foggy autumns—a signature contributing factor to Nebbiolo's slow ripening and layered aromatics. The soils, rich in limestone and clay, impart structure and minerality, while the hillsides provide ideal exposures for optimal grape development. Piedmont’s historical commitment to excellence is epitomised by the Produttori di Barbaresco, a renowned cooperative established in 1958 and respected for producing benchmark wines from the region’s prestigious crus.

Given the wine’s structure and complexity, pairings with rich, savoury dishes are highly recommended. Classic Piedmontese cuisine such as brasato al Barolo (braised beef), risotto with porcini mushrooms, or tajarin pasta with truffle are particularly harmonious. With its prominent tannins and vibrant acidity, this Barbaresco also complements game birds, slow-cooked lamb, or mature hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano.

For optimal enjoyment, decant this wine for at least an hour to fully open its aromatics. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, which will allow the wine’s subtle florals, fruit and savoury undertones to shine. This 2016 Riserva is already pleasurable but will reward further cellaring over the next decade or more.