Montestefano Barbaresco Riserva 1999
The Montestefano Barbaresco Riserva 1999 is produced by Produttori del Barbaresco, widely regarded as one of the world's most respected wine cooperatives. While the modern version of the cooperative was founded in 1958 by local winegrowers, its roots trace back to 1894 when Domizio Cavazza, the director of the local enological school, established the area's first cooperative. Following a closure in 1942 during the war, it was successfully revived. Today, it consists of 51 members who collectively own 110 hectares, all exclusively planted with Nebbiolo within the Barbaresco zone. Under the direction of Aldo Vacca since 1991, the cooperative is celebrated for its nine single-vineyard crus, which together map the appellation's diverse terroir.
This specific DOCG red wine originates from the Montestefano vineyard, carefully tended by the property owners Gonella, Maffei, Marcarino, Rivella, and Rocca. The producer notes that during the finest harvests, a selection of wine from renowned localities in the heart of the typical zone is elevated to "Riserva" status after completing its fourth year of aging.
The wine is crafted entirely from Nebbiolo, Italy's premier grape recognized for yielding elegant wines with significant structure, predominantly grown in Barolo, Barbaresco, and the surrounding Piedmont region. Located in northwestern Italy at the foot of the Alps, Piedmont is famous for its dramatic, steep hills in the Langhe subregion. These hills are frequently blanketed in thick autumn morning fog, which protects the grapes and facilitates a long, perfect ripening process. The 1999 vintage in this classic area is characterized as elegant, earning a score of 92 points.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
GUIDE TO THE GOOD WINE EXPERIENCE
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