Cottá Barbaresco DOCG 2018

Wine description for Cottá Barbaresco DOCG 2018 by Sottimano

Colour & appearance

Ruby red, transparent and clear – the bright, luminous red of Nebbiolo that already hints at the patience required in the cellar.

Nose

An aromatic puzzle that rearranges itself with every swirl: raspberries and cherries first, then bay leaf, thyme and cedarwood on the top note. Beneath, dark tobacco, black tea and cherry conserve – an umami register that immediately makes one thirsty.

Palate

Fruit-driven and transparent on the attack – yet this is deceptive: the tightly laced corset of tannins grips firmly, fine as the finest-grade sandpaper. A noble bitter note of dark chocolate, densely packed acidity and a structural tension where everything sits precisely in place.

Finish

Long, taut and spicy – the finely chiselled finale lingers on the palate with notes of cherry and herbs.

Terroir & origin

The cru Cottà is the estate’s home vineyard in Neive: around 2.8 hectares with a south-westerly aspect. The 50- to 70-year-old vines combine the fleshy density typical of Neive sites with the robust tannin structure of Barbaresco. Rino Sottimano acquired the farm in the late 1960s; today Andrea, Elena and Claudia run the estate, which has been farmed organically for over forty years.

Grape variety & vinification

Pure Nebbiolo, spontaneously fermented with indigenous yeasts, up to 25 days on the skins. Maturation takes place for 24 months in French oak (only 15% new wood), including 12 months on the lees; bottled unfined and unfiltered. Dry, 14.5% abv.

Food recommendations

A classic with tagliatelle al ragù; bold and intriguing alongside a white bean purée with poached dandelion greens; surprisingly harmonious with grilled sardines.

Special characteristics

The contrast between delicate, transparent fruit and youthfully exuberant tannins defines the charm of this vintage – a Barbaresco with vibrancy and depth that, despite its structure, is already accessible now yet will effortlessly age for a decade.