Sottimano - Langhe Nebbiolo 2022

Andrea Sottimano and his father Rino produce wines of outstanding quality from thirteen lovingly cared for hectares in the Cottá, Currá, Fausoni, Pajoré and Basarin crus in the Treiso and Neive townships. Their Barbarescos are elegant, evocative, subtle and yet hearty – to taste these crus side-by-side is to reply with a resounding YES to skeptics of terroir that question whether differences of only 200 meters does matter!

The approach here is one of minimal intervention: indigenous yeasts, no fining or filtering. No insecticides are used and only organic fertilizers are used, and only minimally. Natural cover crops (grass cover) are left in the rows between the vines and are mowed 2 or 3 times a year. In autumn the soil of every other row between the vines is tilled. Each of their four cru Barbarescos are given the same treatment to allow the uniqueness of each cru to express itself. Fermentation is done in oak, of which about 30% is new, followed by 18-20 months in neutral barriques.

The “Cottá,” always the most fruit-driven of the crus, comes from 25-year old vines and features notes of red and black fruits and refined nuances of mint.The “Fausoni,” from 40-year old vines, is the softest and most floral of the four, with trademark notes of mint and licorice and a firm core of vibrant acidity; elegant “Currá” is a big mouthful, extracted and built for the long term. The more traditional “Pajoré” from the Treiso area is the epitome of elegant austerity, with striking balance and perfect ripeness.

100% Nebbiolo from the Basarin vineyard in Neive, on the border with Treiso. Declassified Barbaresco from young vines, about 15-years-old. Fermentation and maceration on the skins for 25 days with indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation in French barrels coopered expressly for the estate by Francois Frères in Burgundy. Ages 14-16 months, half of this time on its lees ,15% new oak, the remaining 85% up to 4th pass.

"The 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo is Barbaresco in all but name because of its slightly earlier release. Crushed flowers, spice, tobacco, cedar and bright Nebbiolo acids are nicely delineated. In 2022, the Langhe Nebbiolo has a bit more mid-palate richness than in most years, but that is not a bad thing for a wine meant to be enjoyed over the near and medium term." - 91 Points, Vinous

Producer: Sottimano

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Nebbiolo

Appellation:  Langhe

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml