“Pairolero” Barbera d’Alba Superiore DOC 2023

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

29562223 · 0,75 l · 30,67 €/lavailable immediately

Basarin and San Cristoforo – on calcareous marl soils with sandy veins and moderate altitude – are the two Barbera sites for this powerful, exceptional wine. Selective manual harvesting, spontaneous fermentation with the vineyard's own yeasts in stainless steel and a maceration period of around three to four weeks ensure depth and grip. Malolactic fermentation and maturation then take place in wood (predominantly used barrels), without fining or filtration; short bottle rest before release.

Dark ruby colour with a violet rim. Ripe black cherry and plum on the very convincing nose, with blackberry, violet, liquorice and a cool, stony-mineral undertone. Juicy and powerful on the palate, but at the same time precisely controlled: the vibrant Barbera acidity sets the tone, while fine-grained, silky, grippy tannins provide contour. The wood ageing is only evident as a fine textural touch; the fruit remains pure and deep. Long, spicy-mineral finish with a hint of dark chocolate. A very powerful Barbera d'Alba Superiore with a strong character and Sottimano signature – clear, full of energy and with reserves for the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Pairolero is a noble, elegant wine, as I tasted it last year. Blue and violet fruits, lavender, cloves, liquorice and mocha blend together. Given a very warm year, Sottimano left more leaves and more crop on the vine to prolong phenolic ripeness. And it worked. The 2023 is a great wine that captures the essence of the house style." Vinous

"Aromatic, this red is eloquent, evoking saturated flavors of blackberry, black currant, violet and graphite. Vibrant and builds on the palate to the long, scintillating finish." Wine Spectator