Sottimano
Sottimano
Andrea Sottimano and his two sisters, Elena and Claudia are now firmly at the helm here and this exquisite estate continues to make finer and finer wines - some of the very best in Barbaresco. This sixteen hectare estate is based in the Cotta' region of Barbaresco, and the Sottimano family have over the years bought outstanding vineyards in the 'crus' of Currà, Cottà, Fausoni and Pajore. In the vineyard they work organically and limit yields to increase quality. The winemaking is as low-intervention as possible, using only natural yeasts and then the wines are bottled without filtering or fining. All of these 'crus' are given exactly the same élevage, so as to allow the individual 'terroirs' to express their character. Terroir expression is the target here - and these amazing wines are as much an education as a joy to drink.There are five different crus - each with very specific attributes where they produce their distinctly different Barbarescos. The latest edition is Basarin, with a mixture of clay, limestone and sand. It sits at about four hundred metres above sea level. It makes for wines that are always very elegant, refined, tannins are silky and softer, Basarin tends to be the most approachable of all the wines.
Fausoni, on sand and clay, makes wines that are always very elegant - mint, liquorice and little red fruits. This is in the historical part of Neive.
Cottà, on limestone with clay is one of the oldest cru in Barbaresco, the family's vines are very old here (fifty years and older) and the colour of the wine is just a little bit lighter than other vineyards (because of the clay), but they have a very distinctive nose of dark fruits and mint, a great elegance and mineral tannins.
Pajore is almost entirely on limestone with just a little clay. This is the highest vineyard of all, at 420 metres above sea level. The vines are very old, and it is always the most mineral and elegant of the four Barbarescos. Limestone brings into the wine a great purity of fruit, a distinctive aroma of spices and tobacco (cigar box) and a very unusual quality of tannins, firm but very mineral.
2023 BARBARESCO Fausoni Sottimano
The 2023 Barbaresco Fausoni is delicate and floral in its first impression, before the mid-palate gradually starts to open. Red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, white pepper, slate and dried herbsThe 2023 Barbaresco Fausoni is delicate and floral in its first impression, before the mid-palate gradually starts to open. Red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, white pepper, slate and dried herbs unfurl in the glass. Medium in body and beautifully persistent, the 2023 offers tons of potential. As always, the tannins are a touch nervy, but then again, this is very young Nebbiolo. Drinking range: 2027 - 2043 Rating: 94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2026)
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2023 BARBARESCO Cottá Sottimano
Cedar, pine forest, truffle and violet are just some of the aromas you’ll find on the outstanding 2023 Barbaresco Cottà from Sottimano. Savory and loaded with class, the elegantly structured palateCedar, pine forest, truffle and violet are just some of the aromas you’ll find on the outstanding 2023 Barbaresco Cottà from Sottimano. Savory and loaded with class, the elegantly structured palate features ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and the same truffle note as the nose before a long, salty finish. Taut, close-grained tannins and tangy acidity keep it nicely balanced. Drink 2028–2038. Abv: 14% Rating: 96 Kerin O'Keefe, kerinokeefe.com (Apr 2026)
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2023 BARBARESCO Pajoré Sottimano
Beautiful aromas of blue flower, eucalyptus, truffle and dark spice shape the nose on fragrant 2023 Barbaresco Pajorè from Sottimano. Showing tons of class, the elegantly structured palate deliversBeautiful aromas of blue flower, eucalyptus, truffle and dark spice shape the nose on fragrant 2023 Barbaresco Pajorè from Sottimano. Showing tons of class, the elegantly structured palate delivers succulent Morello cherry, blood orange, star anise and a salty mineral finish. Taut, fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity. Drink 2028–2034. Abv: 14.5% Rating: 94 Kerin O'Keefe, kerinokeefe.com (Apr 2026)
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2023 BARBARESCO Basarin Sottimano
All about intensity and elegance, the stunning Sottimano 2023 Basarin entices with heady scents of violet, small woodland berry, dark exotic spice, hay and truffle. Full-bodied and boasting aAll about intensity and elegance, the stunning Sottimano 2023 Basarin entices with heady scents of violet, small woodland berry, dark exotic spice, hay and truffle. Full-bodied and boasting a weightless concentration, the delicious palate doles out ripe red cherry, strawberry compote, crushed mint and star anise before closing on a note of black olive. Taut, fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity keep it balanced. Drink 2028–2035. Abv: 14.5% Rating: 95 Kerin O'Keefe, kerinokeefe.com (Apr 2026)
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