Barbaresco “Cottà" DOCG 2023

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

29562323 · 0,75 l · 110,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

This is where it all began. When Rino Sottimano acquired his first plots in Neive in the 1970s, Cottà was his first vineyard – that south-west-facing site near the border with the municipality of Barbaresco, where the Nebbiolo benefits from two worlds: the power and polyphenols that Neive imparts to its wines, and the balance of tannins that the proximity to Barbaresco brings. It is the family's oldest plot – and the most authentic. Vines aged between 40 and 60 years on gently rolling slopes with light grey and yellowish Tortonian and Helvetic marl. Organic viticulture without compromise, fermentation with natural yeasts, long maceration with the cap submerged. Malolactic fermentation, which is not completed until the spring following the harvest. Then 18 to 22 months in barriques specially crafted for Sottimano by François Frères, half on the lees, with a small proportion of new oak. No filtration, no fining.

A bright, deep ruby red. On the nose, sour cherry, plum, lavender, menthol, cedar and dark spices, with a hint of forest floor and truffle. Full-bodied on the palate, with lively acidity and tannins that support and shape the Neive's structure. Dense and precise, with a long, energetic final. Cottà – the first word in a story that spans five exciting chapters at Sottimano. SUPERIORE.DE

"An earthy style with leathery aromas alongside a leafy lightness, liquorice root, strawberries and wild raspberries. Medium-bodied, rich and full of extract, it displays crisp acidity and firm, dusty yet ripe tannins. A long, flavourful finish. Still a little austere, but harmonious." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Cottá 2023 is impressive. An explosion of dark cherries, plums, spices, lavender, incense, new leather and menthol floods the palate. harvestwill find a great Barbaresco with broad shoulders and plenty of intensity. This is a particularly virile, almost sombre vintage of the Cottá. Superb." Vinous

"Dried cherries mingle with black tea leaves, whilst fresh mint and palo santo create an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and pay attention. On the palate, layers of tart red fruits emerge, supported by delicate, dusty tannins that feel like silk scarves in the wind. This is what happens when a vineyard finds its perfect voice and a winemaker knows exactly how to listen. Here is a wine that bridges the gap between now and later, between pleasure and depth." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barbaresco Cottá is perfumed with delicate floral aromas that recall fine ladies' perfume, unfolding from lilac to lavender with effortless grace. Subtle mineral notes add shape and definition, giving the wine greater contour and focus without disturbing its refined, vibrant personality. Sottimano has interpreted the warm 2023 vintage with impressive restraint, preserving freshness and elegance while allowing the wine's floral character to shine. This Barbaresco is fermented with indigenous yeasts, using submerged-cap maceration before aging in large oak casks." Wine Advocate