Pajoré Barbaresco DOCG 2019

S. Bordthäuser, 6.5.21

The Azienda Agricola Sottimano was bought in the 60s by Rino Sottimano and is located in the middle of the Cottà site. In the following years, it was successively extended by the Currá, Fausoni, Basarin and Pajoré crus. Today the winery is run by son Andrea and his sisters Elena and Claudia. Situated in the triangle of Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso, Sottimano has been working according to biodynamic guidelines for years in order to bottle the character of the five crus as precisely as possible.

The Cru Pajoré is located not far from the other Sottimano sites between Barbera and Alba in Treiso. It has a south-western exposure with vines up to 70 years old. The wines from Pajoré are always characterised by their velvety tannins combined with their floral-spicy aromas. The average yield is 35hl/ha.

Fermentation is always spontaneous with their own yeasts, maceration is usually 25 days and BSA is also spontaneous in French oak. The wines mature for 24 months in the barrel , 12 months of which are on the lees. The use of wood in winemaking has been modernised with the 2014 vintage, making the wines appear more accessible with immense vibration and depth even in their youth. The wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Bright velvet red with light orange hints and light rim

The 2019 Barbaresco Pajoré smells intense from the glass. A whole round of red-fruity nuances descends. Rosehip dominates and is supported in a well-balanced way by strawberry, elderberry, barberry and sour cherry. The fruit seems to be wrapped in a dark, silky mantle. It has a very mysterious, ominous character. A hint of bitter orange and blood orange unfolds in the glass with a little patience. A little cocoa butter provides balsamic, tempering moments against it. It has almost graphite-like, straightforward characteristics. Only very faintly does it currently reveal its ethereal, spicy attributes in the form of juniper and cubeb pepper.

On the palate, it surprises with a clearly fuller appearance. The fruit is rich and intense. Artichoke, pepper and fennel show slightly vegetal characteristics. The tannin is very soft and melts away. At the first sip, it immediately stimulates the flow of the drink, making your mouth water. Behind this, it hides its filigree, straight lime appearance. Taut and pithy. It is now reminiscent of dark silk. This film covers the entire mouth very finely and lines it completely. Pure elegance. In the aftertaste, the rosehip and rooibos come to the fore again.