Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2021

Wine Description for Basarin Barbaresco DOCG 2021 by Sottimano

Colour & Appearance

Brilliant, uniform cherry red – clear and luminous in the glass, a first indication of the precise signature of the Sottimano house.

Nose

The nose opens with classic Nebbiolo fruit: sour cherry, blackcurrant, elderberry and raspberry. Yet it quickly becomes clear that fruit here is not an end in itself – it is a vehicle. Beneath it shimmers a profound spice layer: juniper, black pepper, allspice and cubeb pepper. Rosehip tea, cranberry and a trace of dried fig lend depth and complexity. Fine roasted aromas, cold smoke and forest floor set dark, earthy accents. In the background, dried herbs – marjoram, tarragon, savory – weave a subtle aromatic tapestry.

Palate

The Basarin is the quietest, most subtle wine in the Sottimano portfolio – and therein lies its strength. Nothing asserts itself, nothing overwhelms. The interplay of fine tannin, lively acidity, delicate fruit and precise minerality appears flawlessly balanced. The texture is both juicy and silky, the mouthfeel invigorating and elegant. Bitter compounds and fruit aromatics dialogue at the highest level.

Finish

Long, aromatic and of remarkably fine structure. Juniper, allspice and dried herbs dominate the aftertaste – spicy, precise, lingering. A wine that remains present even after the final sip.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the renowned single vineyard site Basarin in the municipality of Neive in the Barbaresco region. Sottimano acquired the approximately three hectares only in 2014 and immediately converted them to organic-biodynamic viticulture. The vines are around 50 years old – a guarantee of depth and concentration with moderate yields of 40 hl/ha.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Nebbiolo, destemmed and fermented on the skins for up to 60 days – a bold statement for maximum extraction and structure. Fermentation took place in open stainless steel tanks with regular punching down of the cap. Since the 2020 vintage, the wine matures for 24 months in large, slightly conical botti – for depth without oak dominance.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Classic and convincing: Braised lamb shank with fresh peas and rosemary potatoes, Pan-roasted duck breast with beetroot and horseradish sauce or the rustic cassoulet of beans, bacon and pointed cabbage.

Special Features

The Basarin is a Barbaresco for lovers of understated notes. Not a wine that impresses with volume – but one that convinces through elegance, balance and depth. With 14.5% alcohol and the backbone of extended skin contact, it is designed for long-term ageing. Already a pleasure now – it will reveal its full potential over the next ten to fifteen years.