Description
Organic Sottimano Barbaresco Basarin DOCG
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Grapes: Nebbiolo
Location: Neive, Piemonte/ Piedmont
Cru: Basarin
Size of Vineyard: 3.0 ha
Orientation: South/West
Age of Vineyard: 25-60 years
Age of Vineyard: 13,000 btls/year
Yield: 40 quintal per hectare
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: The estate’s new cru, acquired in 2014, marks a natural extension of the philosophy aiming at highlighting the sub-zones. The particularly wide additional geographical denomination of Basarin features a heterogeneous conformation with accentuated slope and altitude. The Nebbiolo grapes extract rich structure and remarkable complexity from these old vines.
Vinification: Meticulous 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: Its olfactory expression is characterised by balsamic herbs, minerality
and spices. The palate offers a hint of wild fruit, together with an
intense fruity texture, characterised in particular by cherry and strawberry. Long and velvety tannins accompany a spicy note, typical of
this particular area of the municipality of Neive, facing the municipality of Treiso.
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Vintage 2020
Aromas of dried cherries, cocoa, cinnamon and bark with hits of dried rose petals. Medium- to full-bodied and structured with taut but fine tannins, that last long. Shows tension and depth. Lingering finish. Drink after 2026.”
