Baricci - Tuscany, Italy
For us, they've been the most sought-after, yet not-well-known producer of Brunello di Montalcino. Our first bottle was purchased at the Consorzio in Montalcino in the middle eighties. You know: you go in as a customer, you chat a bit and if you can somehow get past the "tourist stage" you might get the inside scoop.
"Buy some Baricci" they finally say. (Hmmm, we thought we knew a bit about Brunello... But - never heard of Baricci!) We put ourselves in their hands and buy two bottles. Well, there was no internet then, and over time we learned next to nothing about Baricci.
Then in 1998: bottle number one gets opened - "holy sh*t!".
These days we know enough to know all Baricci wines are sold out at the winery before bottling. We assume every importer worth their salt has contacted Baricci, and we know they sell their wines to precious few states. With a hope of simply visiting to see and learn, we were excited to receive a yes (!) to our request for a visit - and, yes, we went. (Twice.)
Maybe you don't know modest-sized Baricci Colombaio Montosoli of historic Montalcino? Baricci's "modern day" founder, Nello Baricci, was born May 21, 1921 and is today going strong as the family patriarch. His farm, founded in 1955 - "Colombaio Montosoli" - sits entirely on "Montosoli Hill" - the most prestigious vineyard real-estate in Montalcino.
Having worked the vines all his life, it is worth noting Brunello di Montalcino did not even become an appellation until Nello was almost fifty years old in 1967. That is the year Brunello di Montalcino first became a DOC. Thirteen years later in 1980, Brunello di Montalcino became Italy's first DOCG. In fact, when the official map of the zone was drawn up, Baricci Colombaio Montosoli was listed as #1 of the now over 200 numerically listed producers recognized today. Number one because Nello (is that a great name or what??), of the twenty-six original members, was credited as the Founder of the Association of Brunello of Montalcino.
On our two visits to Baricci in 2016, we spent time with brothers Francesco and Federico and their parents Graziella and Piero. We did not see or meet Nello, but 100% for certain felt his spirit through his fiercely dedicated, lovely and phenomenally gracious family. Our two visits to this true, yet humble, Montaclino Royalty echo more memorable as they made us feel like Royalty.
And then, yes, then there is the vineyard.
MONTOSOLI:
MONTALCINO'S GRAND CRU
Montalcino (and Brunello) has no formal "Cru" system, but likely by acclamation, the famous Montosoli vineyard would be Grand Cru. Indeed, it may well be the finest terroir for Brunello, period. For perspective, the entire Brunello appellation covers about 2100 hectares (5000 acres), and of that, Montosoli comprises 5 hectares, or less than 3% of all of the Brunello appellation.
The entire Baricci Colombaio Montosoli farm and vines lay inside Montosoli, in which they have a handful of contiguous plots.
There is magic in the combination of Nello Baricci - the legend - and Montosoli, the vineyard. Rarely do place and individual combine for such quality and history.
BACK TO THE HEART OF THE STORY:
Our January visit - and our intent to learn, see the vines and meet the people - was beautiful. Francesco was a marvelous host showing us around the small property, explaining the family history and walking us through Montosoli. WE DID NOT TASTE ANY WINE THAT FIRST VISIT! (We brought a bottle or two home though.) As the visit ended we felt great. You know how sometimes you just hit it off and come away impressed simply in having the experience? It was like that.
Then, in saying goodbye, we spoke a bit about E&R and what we do. "Well, we'll talk. Enjoy the rest of your trip in Italy!" And off to Lazio we went.
Upon returning to the USA and exchanging messages, we learned the Baricci family likes what we do, and how we do it, and said they would be pleased to offer a small amount of wine to E&R. In a millisecond, we said YES.
AND AN UNHAPPY UPDATE
Sadly we have just learned that the Baricci wines - going forward as of 8/1/20 - will now be nationally represented by a “National Importer” for all of the USA. This means for our shop, the supply will go down and prices will go up. This kind of transition happens now and again (in both directions). We plan to continue to offer the Baricci wines as they are spectacular.
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When in stock, wines from this producer apear below. Click each wine for more detail.