Nello Baricci: A pioneer winemaker who was given status as the very first producer of Brunello di Montalcino when the Consorzio was founded in 1967.
Born into a poor farming family and working long hours in vineyards for a share of the crop on land belonging to others (mezzadría), his life was arduous. Nevertheless, Nello Baricci (1921 - 2017) having started on this tough track, acquired great knowledge on the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino. In 1955 at the age of 34, having saved hard from his labour, he purchased the farm of Colombaio Montosoli with a vision in mind.
The population of Montalcino had reduced dramatically between the mid 50’s and early 60’s from 12,000 to 2,000 inhabitants, as people left the countryside towns in favour of the cities for a better way of life. Nello was a true “pioneer” for his very brave decision to stay, acquire land and dedicate his life to winemaking. With his wife Ada by his side (married in 1946 and spent the next 72 years together), they chose to remain in Montalcino and as well as olive production, Nello planted some vines on his newly acquired land.
The farm consisted of 15 hectares, 5 of which are now planted with vines over six small individual parcels. The soil composition is a mixture of marl, shale and quartz clay amalgamated in a paste derived from marine elements from the Pliocene Era (5.33 to 2.58 million years BP). This stony ground (about 280m above sea level) is extremely hard to cultivate, but is ideal for the growth of a native grape called Sanguine Jovis (Blood of Jupiter) commonly referred to as Sangiovese.
At that time an unknown wine called Brunello was produced in small quantities only by a few enthusiasts. After 12 years, in 1967 Nello, along with 26 other producers founded the ‘Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino’ an association formed in order to protect, defend and promote the reputation of their wine which was gaining recognition.
Because of his leading role in the formation of the Consorzio, Nello was invited by the then mayor of Montalcino to become No 1 on the approved producers list and awarded permission to use the town Montalcino outline on the label of his Brunello di Montalcino Baricci Colombaio Montosoli (the only producer ever to be given this honour).
Innovation never passed Nello by: he was one of the first producers in Montalcino to introduce temperature controlled, stainless steel fermenting vats.
The first commercial wine produced by Baricci was a Rosso di Montalcino in 1968, followed by the release of his first Brunello di Montalcino in 1971.
Today, the third generation, namely brothers Francesco and Federico Buffi are continuing the path laid out by their grandfather some 60 years before.
Production is approximately 15,000 bottles of Brunello di Montalcino and a similar amount of Rosso. In exceptional vintages a Riserva named after Nello is made and sold by allocation due to the minute quantities produced.
Tasting notes
Baricci Brunello di Montalcino 2017
Barrel Sample: Ruby red in colour, warm cherry, tobacco, cedar. Unusually inviting at this stage. Difficult year. Good result due to lots of hard work in the vineyard.
Points 92-94 TW
Baricci Brunello di Montalcino 2016
Barrel Sample: Ruby red in colour, dark cherry, truffle, black tea. Young, vibrant. Such class! Need to be patient. 2023-2045
Points 95-97 TW
Baricci Brunello di Montalcino 2015
Barrel Sample: Brilliant ruby red in colour. Bouquet of red roses and balsamic notes. Fresh red cherry with traces of bitter orange peel. Leather, sweet tobacco and white pepper. Beautifully balanced. Firm tannins with fresh acidity. Needs time. 2022-2040
Points 94-96 TW
Baricci Brunello di Montalcino 2013
Bright ruby red in colour. Fresh bouquet of dried red rose. Red berries. Leather, tar, savoury. Framed and elegant. 2018-2035
Points 94 TW
Baricci Brunello di Montalcino Nello Riserva 2012
Red ruby in colour. Dark red cherry, red berries, sweet tobacco, leather and white truffles. Fine tannins beautifully integrated with fresh acidity. Still young. Showing some of its complexity but much more to follow. 2020-2040
Points 95+ TW
Baricci Rosso di Montalcino 2016
Medium ruby red in colour. Fresh bouquet. Red cherry, raspberry. Structured but with good balance. Pleasing texture. 2019-2030
Points 93 TW