Cottà Barbaresco 2020

The Barbaresco Cottà from the Sottimano estate comes from the Cottà cru, located in the municipality of Neive, in the heart of the Barbaresco appellation area in Piedmont. This hillside vineyard benefits from predominantly south and southwest exposures, on marl-limestone soils rich in clay and sand, typical of the Langhe hills. The plot is situated at a moderate altitude, which promotes slow and even ripening of the grapes, while preserving freshness and aromatic finesse. This historic terroir is renowned for producing elegant, structured, and profound wines.

The grapes are harvested by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts, with a long maceration and gentle pump-overs to delicately extract tannins and aromas. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. Aging continues in mostly used French oak barrels, on fine lees, without frequent racking, and the wine is then bottled unfiltered to preserve its character and complexity.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe red fruits , and plum , enhanced by floral touches of dried rose and violet , as well as spicy nuances of licorice and sweet pepper . Delicate woody accents of cedar and blond tobacco complete the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and precise, supported by fine tannins , lively acidity , and a long finish with spicy and balsamic undertones.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!