Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2021 1500ml Magnum

Wine description for Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2021 1500ml Magnum by Sottimano

Colour & appearance

Brilliant cherry red with an even, luminous hue – the typical transparency of Nebbiolo, promising depth without heaviness.

Nose

Sour cherry and cassis open at first, yet it quickly becomes clear: the fruit is merely the vehicle. Juniper, black pepper and allspice shape the profound spiciness, joined by rosehip tea, cranberry and dried fig. Fine roasted aromas, cold smoke and forest floor lend complexity, whilst dried herbs such as marjoram and tarragon add subtle accents.

Palate

The most subtle of the Sottimano crus displays impressive balance. The structure of tannin, fruit, acidity and bitter compounds seems perfectly poised. The delicate fruit aromatics interact beautifully with the bitter notes, whilst the tannins provide stability and equip the wine for the future. Juicy and enormously inviting, with marked yet perfectly integrated acidity that encourages drinking. Great elegance envelops it, and the diversity of impressions culminates in a silky mouthfeel.

Finish

Juniper, allspice and the dried herbs dominate the long, precise finish.

Terroir & origin

The Basarin vineyard site in Neive is one of five individual sites that Sottimano cultivates across the communes of Neive and Treiso. The three hectares were only acquired in 2014, yet the vines are around 50 years old – an asset that cannot be bought. In Neive, where Olek Bondonio also tends parcels, there is a shared conviction that great Barbarescos come from old vines.

Grape variety & vinification

Pure Nebbiolo, fermented on the skins for up to 60 days – where others have long since pressed off, Andrea Sottimano continues to wait. The cap is regularly punched down in open stainless steel fermentation tanks. Since 2020, maturation has taken place in large, slightly tapered botti for around 24 months. The vineyard site was converted directly to organic and biodynamic viticulture.

Food recommendations

Braised leg of lamb with fresh peas and rosemary potatoes, cassoulet of beans, bacon and pointed cabbage or roast duck breast with beetroot and horseradish sauce.

Special features

The magnum bottle slows the ageing process and preserves the freshness of this already long-lived wine for years. Basarin is considered the most Burgundian and elegant of the Sottimano crus – a wine that does not need to be loud to convince.