Barbaresco “Pajoré" DOCG 2023

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

29562423 · 0,75 l · 110,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

Treiso is not Neive. Once you understand this, you begin to read the Barbaresco appellation differently. Neive gives strength, weight, polyphenols. Treiso – the southernmost of the three Barbaresco communes, higher up, cooler, with more compact, calcareous soils – gives rigour, minerality and a longevity that some other sites lack. The MGA Pajoré is the voice of Treiso in the Sottimano collection: the most traditional, the most persistent and the one of the five cru that requires the most patience. Old vines on calcareous-clay soils, steep and well exposed. Organic cultivation since the beginning. Natural yeast fermentation, long maceration, natural malolactic. Matured for 18 to 22 months in François Frères barriques, half on the lees, minimal new wood. No filtration. No fining. A further year in the bottle. The same cellar method as always – and, as so often, proof that terroir is more important than technique.

Clear ruby red colour with garnet nuances. Earthy tones on the nose, crushed stone, ripe red fruit, a hint of pepper, herbs, dark sweetness in the background. Slender and taut on the palate, carried by a racy acidity, precise fruit, tannins that are firm and at the same time fine on the palate. Long, mineral finish. Pajoré – austerity as the highest form of elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intriguing, quite classic nose of dried and fresh cherries, licorice and watermelon, with strawberry depth and a whiff of cinnamon. Medium-bodied and refined on the palate, showing dusty yet ripe tannins and crisp acidity. A bit leaner in the finish, but just as savory." James Suckling

"On a sheer, sharp slope with chalky limestone soil, Sottimano’s vineyards reach the top of Pajorè – a cool site typically yielding austere wines. Indeed, the 2023 was very tight-lipped when I tried it, reluctantly doling out hints of clove and mocha. Trim yet precisely etched, the palate is lightly flavoured with red cherry and more mineral-driven than anything. The acidity is mouthpuckering, and firm, vertical tannins never lose their footing. This simmers with energy but will need time in the bottle before revealing its true potential." Decanter

"Fresh-picked raspberries and wild strawberries sharing space with garden mint and sage, while cardamom and star anise create layers that keep revealing themselves with each swirl. The palate moves with laser focus, where pristine fruit and polished tannins show exactly what happens when everything lines up perfectly. This is the kind of wine that makes you understand why people fall in love with Barbaresco, precision without austerity, power without weight, depth without darkness. Pure class in a glass." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2023 Barbaresco Pajorè has come together nicely since I tasted it last year. Dark balsamic inflections immediately announce a potent, virile Barbaresco. Readers should be in no rush, as the 2023 is going to need a number of years to come into its own. Macerated black cherry, cloves, incense, scorched earth and espresso add to feeling of gravitas that echoes as the wine gradually opens in the glass. There's gorgeous density here, and pedigree to burn. Pajorè was the last Nebbiolo harvested in 2023." Vinous