Produttori del Barbaresco "Pajè Cru" Barbaresco Riserva DOCG, Italy
Introduction:
The 2020 Produttori del Barbaresco “Pajè” Riserva is a poised and powerful Nebbiolo from one of Barbaresco’s most distinctive crus. Combining fine structure, depth, and precision, it offers a textbook example of how terroir-driven winemaking can balance strength with elegance.
Terroir:
The Pajè cru sits just west of the Barbaresco village center on calcareous marl and limestone-rich soils. Its southern exposure captures optimal sunlight, while cooler breezes from the Tanaro River preserve the grape’s natural acidity, resulting in wines noted for their tension, aromatic lift, and fine-grained tannic structure.
Appearance:
Brilliant garnet red with ruby highlights and a faint orange hue developing at the rim.
Nose:
Expressive and layered with aromas of red cherry, rose petal, violet, and dried herbs, followed by notes of tobacco leaf, truffle, and subtle tar. Secondary tones of earth and minerality add depth and complexity.
Palate:
Medium to full-bodied and tightly woven, the palate opens with bright red fruit—cherry, cranberry, and wild raspberry—before evolving into darker plum and licorice. Tannins are firm but polished, and brisk acidity provides lift and length.
Finish:
Long, structured, and mineral, with lingering notes of red fruit, spice, and iron. The finish shows great energy and persistence, underscoring the wine’s aging potential.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
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Meat dish: Braised short ribs, roasted lamb, or duck confit with herbs
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Vegetarian option: Porcini mushroom risotto or truffle pasta
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Cheese pairing: Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, or Fontina Val d’Aosta
Overall Impression:
The 2020 “Pajè” Riserva exemplifies the finesse and power of classic Barbaresco. Its combination of precision, minerality, and layered fruit promises a long evolution in the cellar. While structured today, decanting reveals extraordinary depth and harmony—an exceptional vintage for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.5%
Farming Practices: Traditional
Producer Name: Produttori del Barbaresco
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Barbaresco DOCG (Pajè Cru), Piedmont
Grape Varietals: 100% Nebbiolo
Vintage: 2020
Wine Style: Dry red; structured, ageworthy, and terroir-driven
Winemaking Techniques: Extended maceration on skins; long aging in large Slavonian oak casks; bottled after 36+ months; minimal filtration
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Standard Barbaresco (Albeisa) bottle
Closure Style: Cork
Jeb Dunnuck: Rated 96 points
Review Date: 05/2025
The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Paje' pours a deeper red hue and is polished on the nose with aromas of black cherries, candied berries, polished leather, sweet herbs, and balsamic herbs. Usually, this site has a brighter, more floral character, but here it has a bit more richness, with an outstanding balance of savoriness, velvety textured tannins, and dark, stony underpinnings seamlessly weaving together through the long finish. It’s an exceptional wine in this vintage and should have a wide window for enjoyment over the coming 20 years. (AF) 96+
Kerin O'Keefe: Rated 95 points
Review Date: 09/2024
The 2020 Pajè Riserva is a beautiful wine starting with its enticing scents of dog rose, violet, eucalyptus, new leather and white pepper. A bit firmer than Pora, the savory palate delivers juicy red cherry, strawberry compote, blood orange and wild herb before an almost salty finish. Fine-grained tannins provide weightless support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced.
Vinous: Rated 95 points
Review Date: 10/2024
The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is a classic wine from this site. Deeply spiced and balsamic notes meld into a core of dark, sepia-toned Nebbiolo fruit. A Barbaresco of real presence and substance, the Pajè makes itself felt. It's one of my early dark horse favorites in this range from Produttori del Barbaresco. (AG)
Wine Spectator: Rated 94 points
Review Date: 04/2025
This is all about power and structure, with cherry, blackberry, earth, wild herb and tar flavors buoyed by a dense matrix of tannins. The fruit is there, peeking through the maze briefly before the tannins take hold on the finish; never obtrusive, they drive the lingering finish. (BS)
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