Barbaresco “Cottà" DOCG 2021

Az. Agr. Sottimano | Piedmont
Az. Agr. Sottimano s.s.a. | Loc. Cottà 21 | IT 12052 Neive

29562321 · 0,75 l · 114,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

In 1969, Rino Sottimano acquired a vineyard that was to become the foundation of his winery: The Cru Cottà, 2.8 hectares located between the municipalities of Neive and Barbaresco, where south-westerly exposures and sandy soils give the Nebbiolo the fullness and structure that make this Barbaresco so special. The vines, now 80 years old, are spaced unusually far apart, a relic from times when vegetables and artichokes were still cultivated between the rows of vines. A historical planting method that gives the roots room to penetrate deep into the calcareous clay soil. Cottà has always been the most fruit-orientated of the five Sottimano crus, a wine of concentrated power that combines the fleshy polyphenols of the Neive vineyards with the distinctive tannin structure of Barbaresco.

After careful selection of the grapes, alcoholic fermentation takes place spontaneously with natural yeasts, followed by an impressive maceration period of around 40 days using the sunken cap method. The wine is then transferred to wood, where malolactic fermentation takes place slowly and naturally over many months – a deliberately reductive vinification process that gives the Barbaresco its fine, delicate flavour. The Cottà matures for 24 months in French barriques specially made by the renowned François Frères cooperage in Burgundy, half on the fine lees. After bottling – unfiltered and unfined – the wine rests in the bottle for a further year to reach its full expressive potential.

Bright garnet red in colour, with a bouquet of dried roses and floral accents, accompanied by dark spices, forest floor and a hint of new leather. Notes of ripe wild berries mingle with liquorice and a fine smoky nuance, while hints of blackcurrant and dark cherry give the wine its characteristic fruitiness. On the palate, the Cottà is concentrated and dense with a fleshy character that plays wonderfully with the fine-grained but very present tannins. The dark fruit unfolds in layers, complemented by blood orange, cedar wood and a pronounced minerality, while the lively acidity provides freshness and tension. The long finish is carried by liquorice, peppery spice and a hint of lovage – a Barbaresco with an impressive balance between power and finesse, which is already accessible now but will gain in complexity over the next 15 to 20 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Almost medium ruby red colour. Complex mineral nose with hints of red fruit. Juicy red fruits that are still developing. Fresh and fluid on the palate, with lots of gravelly tannins on the finish. It is still in its infancy, but shows real class." Jancis Robinson

"Dark aromas from the heart of the forest, reminiscent of a Grimm's fairy tale, rise from the glass, interwoven with candied black cherries and a captivating blend of sweet and savoury spices, including cinnamon, clove and allspice. This cru wine from Cottá shows the purity of the fruit: Currants, cranberries and tart blackberries combine with spicy and earthy flavours. The tannins grip tightly, like a friendly handshake after a long absence, while the fresh palate adds more before the next enchanting sip." Wine Enthusiast

"This aromatic red shows notes of cherry, strawberry, pine, eucalyptus and iron. Silky and well integrated, with plenty of flesh and an open texture. A hint of aniseed and other spices adorn the lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Barbaresco Cottá is, as is so often the case, one of the most expressive wines in this range. Aromatically expressive and light on its feet, the 2021 delivers tonnes of flavour intensity, but without excessive weight. The return to more traditional winemaking has made the Cottá much lighter, and I imagine the 2021 will be very drinkable with minimal cellaring time." Vinous

"It offers a full bouquet with sweet berry fruits, dried herbs and dark spices. On the palate, it is very impressive and shows an intense, long-lasting mouthfeel. The flavours are very delicate and fine with carob, forest fruits, orange peel and blue flowers. The tannins are powdery and fine. This beautiful Nebbiolo drinks like a Pinot Noir." Wine Advocate