2020 Sottimano - Barbaresco Basarin

Grown on steep, calcium-rich limestone and clay soils in Rodello’s Basarin cru, the 2020 Sottimano Barbaresco captures the precise balance of concentration and freshness that defines excellent Piedmontese Nebbiolo. Produced by one of Langhe’s most acclaimed family estates, this bottling reflects decades of dry-farming practice and selective canopy management designed to preserve natural acidity while achieving full phenolic ripeness.

The wine opens to a pale garnet edge, releasing an intricate bouquet of dried rose, red plum, tobacco leaf, and wet gravel. On the palate, tightly woven tannins support a medium-to-full body, with pronounced notes of cherry pit, licorice root, and iron-rich mineral streaks. Aged exclusively in large Slavonian oak casks, it avoids heavy toast influence, allowing the primary fruit and cru-specific stoniness to remain prominent throughout its extended maturation.

This release benefits from extended decanting—roughly ninety minutes to two hours—to soften structure and unlock secondary earthy and floral layers. As the wine breathes, flavors evolve toward cured meats, cedar, and dried violet. Serve alongside slow-braised ossobuco, wild mushroom risotto, roasted squab, or tagliatelle with slow-cooked pork ragù. Mature Taleggio or castelmagno cheese provides an ideal counterpoint to the wine’s saline finish.