Description
Sottimano Pajore’ Organic Barbaresco DOCG
To go to Sottimano website – click here
Area: Piemonte/ Piedmont
Grapes: Nebbiolo.
Location: Comune di Treiso
Cru: Pajorè
Orientation: sud/ovest
Age of Vineyard: 50 – 60 – 70 anni
Size of Vineyard: 5000
Yield: 35 q.li/ha
Andrea Sottimano and his father Rino produce wines of outstanding quality from thirteen lovingly cared for hectares in the Cottà, Currà, 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.
Vineyards:This vineyard in the municipality of Treiso, with its light and compact soil, gives the wine a linearity and elegance of structure that has always been its main feature. The cru enjoys a higher altitude and exposure to winds, which help create an elegant and mineral Barbaresco with a typical spicy note, making it recognisable over time.
Vinification: TMeticulous selection of the best grapes in the vineyards and in the cellar is followed by spontaneous alcoholic fermentation using indigenous yeasts. After long maceration on skins (traditionally two months with submerged cap), the wine is racked into French barriques and large barrels where it completes malolactic fermentation. Neither filtration nor fining takes place at the time of bottling. A further year’s rest in the bottle allows the wine to fulfil its full expressive potential.
Tasting Notes: Spices and tobacco define the character of this Barbaresco, which has an olfactory expression characterised by menthol and liquorice notes. The palate returns a savoury and saline note, combined with nuances of cherry and mint. This wine has a generous structure, well-defined tannins and lingering fruity notes. The finish is balsamic and deep.
To watch Sottimano on youtube – click here
