Sottimano Cotta Barbaresco 2021

An incredibly expressive and structured Italian red with a bright ruby color. The nose displays intense aromas of dark cherries, rose petals, licorice, and hints of mint. On the full-bodied palate, it exhibits powerful, building tannins alongside core fruit purity and a mineral-driven, long finish.

Food Pairing: Exquisitely complements traditional Nebbiolo pairings like truffle-infused tajarin pasta, slow-braised beef chunks, roasted pheasant, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

97 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 

This wine comes from a 2.8-hectare vineyard purchased by Andrea Sottimano's father in 1969. Today, the vines are 80 years old and planted in very wide spacing that once had vegetables and artichokes between the rows. The soils are sandy like in Rabajà and Asili. The 2021 Barbaresco Cottá was the last wine in our flight. That's because it has the biggest concentration and richness. It offers a full bouquet with sweet berry fruits, dried herb and dark spice. It makes a big impact on the palate, and it shows an intense, long-lasting mouthfeel. All of these Sottimano wines are racked into oak sometime after January, and malolactic fermentation proceeds very slowly (finishing at the end of summer or closer to harvest). This gives the wine a reductive character. The aromas here are very delicate and fine with carob, forest fruit, orange rind and blue flower. The tannins are powdery and fine. This beautiful Nebbiolo drinks like a Pinot Noir. Production is 9,000 bottles.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast 

"Dark aromas of the heart of the forest, reminiscent of a Grimm's fairy tale, rise from the glass, intertwined with candied black cherries and a captivating blend of sweet and savory spices, including cinnamon, clove, and allspice. This Cottá cru wine showcases a purity of fruit, with currants, cranberries, and tart blackberries coalescing around savory and earthy flavors. The tannins grip firmly, like a friendly handshake after a long absence, while the fresh palate provides a lift before the next enchanting sip. Drink 2025-2040."

94 Points - Wine Spectator

This aromatic red displays cherry, strawberry, pine, eucalyptus and iron notes. Silky and well-integrated, with ample flesh and an open texture. Flashes of anise and other spices grace the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2043. 650 cases made, 220 cases imported.