Rio Sordo Barbaresco Riserva 1999
The Rio Sordo Barbaresco Riserva 1999 is a classic red wine originating from the prestigious Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. Situated at the foot of the Alps, Piedmont is renowned for its dramatic, steep hills, particularly in the Langhe subregion, where thick autumn morning fog protects the grapes and ensures a long, perfect ripening period. Within this landscape lies the Barbaresco appellation, located east of Alba. The 1999 vintage in this area is characterized as elegant, earning a score of 92 points.
This Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita wine is crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo, an Italian top-tier grape variety known for producing elegant wines with great structure. Nebbiolo is deeply rooted in Piedmont and is the sole grape cultivated by the producer in the Barbaresco zone. The grapes for this specific release are sourced from Rio Sordo, one of the renowned single-vineyard crus in the area, with the plots tended by the proprietors Alutto and Ferrero. According to the producer's traditions, during the best harvests, a portion of the wine from these distinguished locations is designated as a "Riserva" after reaching its fourth year of aging.
Produttori del Barbaresco is widely recognized as one of the most respected wine cooperatives globally. While the modern iteration was founded in 1958 by local vine growers, its deeper history dates back to 1894 when Domizio Cavazza, the director of the local enological school, established the first cooperative in the area. After being dismantled in 1942 during the war years, it was successfully re-established. Today, the cooperative unites 51 members who collectively own 110 hectares. Under the direction of Aldo Vacca since 1991, the cooperative is celebrated for its release of nine single-vineyard crus, including Rio Sordo, which together illustrate the diverse terroir mosaic of the appellation.
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.
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