Sottimano - Barbaresco Pajore 2019
100% Nebbiolo
50-70 year old vines planted to soils rich in limestone
Fermentation and maceration occurs over 25 days with indigenous yeasts
Fermentation in French barrels coopered expressly for Sottimano by Francois Frères in Burgundy
Aged in barrel for approximately 24 months, half of this time on its lees
10-15% of the barrels used for aging this wine are new, the remaining barrels have previously been used up to 4 times.
No Fining and no filtration
Sottimano Description
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.
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
Here's a beautifully elegant and fine expression of Nebbiolo from Treiso. The Sottimano 2019 Barbaresco Pajoré shows an earthy personality with crushed stone and potting soil that frame a pretty core of red and purple fruits. I love the depth and complexity of this wine and the slightly more structured tannins that give this wine power and importance.
Wine Spectator: 94 Points
This Barbaresco displays breadth, providing the framework for macerated cherry, plum, earth, menthol, licorice and tar flavors. Chewy in the end, with freshness and complexity. Be patient. Best from 2025.
James Suckling: 94 Points
Plenty of red fruit with cranberry and watermelon undertones. Fresh flowers, too. Full-bodied with tannins that are back-loaded and give you a punch at the end of the palate. The center-palate has bright flavors of strawberry and orange with hints of flowers.
Wine Enthusiast: 94 Points
