“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 · 32,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable 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 lively Barbera acidity is the centrepiece, 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 classy, elegant wine, just as it was when I tasted it last year. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, cloves, licorice and mocha all meld together. Faced with a very warm year, Sottimano left more leaves and more crop on the vine with the goal of extending phenolic ripeness. It worked. The 2023 is a gorgeous wine that captures the essence of the house style." Vinous