96 Points Kerin O'Keefe
The 2019 Ovello Riserva is succulent and enveloping, offering scents of dark-skinned berry, forest floor, violet and new leather. Full-bodied with impressive structure and fruit, it boasts ripe raspberry, black cherry and licorice supported by firm, close-grained tannins that provide the backbone. Fresh acidity keeps it well balanced.
94 Points Vinous
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.
Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Produttori del Barbaresco "Ovello" Barbaresco Riserva offers a vibrant and aromatic expression of Nebbiolo from the Ovello vineyard. Spanning 6.5 hectares, it is the largest cru in Barbaresco, known for its mixed limestone and clay soils and cooler exposure, producing wines of elegance and energy. Aged traditionally for 36 months in large oak barrels, followed by bottle aging, this Riserva displays a bright garnet color with aromas of wild strawberries, mint, and white pepper. On the palate, it combines red berry flavors with floral notes, supported by silky tannins and lively acidity. The lingering finish reflects Ovello's hallmark freshness and balance.
