Barbaresco Vigna Masue

The Sottimano family have worked hard to elevate their estate into the top echelon. Particular attention is given to the cultivation of the vineyards; in this way, through very low yields, it is possible to produce structured, full bodied wines, which can be aged for several years. Since 1990, the vines have undergone only natural treatments with no use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers or weedkillers; the traditional diseases that normally afflict the vineyards are treated using eco-friendly products. During the vinification no selected yeasts are employed, and the wines are bottled without filtration or fining. The Curra vineyard is just east of Cotta (12 x 75 cl)

The Sottimano family have worked hard to elevate their estate into the top echelon. Particular attention is given to the cultivation of the vineyards; in this way, through very low yields, it is possible to produce structured, full bodied wines, which can be aged for several years. Since 1990, the vines have undergone only natural treatments with no use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers or weedkillers; the traditional diseases that normally afflict the vineyards are treated using eco-friendly products. During the vinification no selected yeasts are employed, and the wines are bottled without filtration or fining. Fausoni is a very small, south west-facing vineyard of 1ha in Neive. It is so small in fact, that Sottimano is the only house making a Fausoni at the time of writing this review. In the winery the wine undergoes maceration on the skins in steel vats with temperature control for 6-7 days, malolactic fermentation in barriques and ageing in French oak barriques for 22 months. The Barbaresco 'Fausoni,' from 40-year old vines, is the most floral of Sottimano's offerings with aromas of cassis, currant and mint, and a firm core of vibrant acidity. Brilliant ruby red colour and nuances of garnet red, moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas that start with hints of cherry, plum and violet followed by aromas of liquorice, menthol, tobacco, vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon and mace. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and pleasing crispness, however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavours and good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavours of plum and cherry. (6 x 75 cl)

Pelissero NUBIOLA Barbaresco DOCG from Italy, Piemonte, Barbaresco by Pelissero Treviso Barbaresco (12 x 75 cl)

Marziano & Enrico Abbona Vigna Faset Barbaresco DOCG Piedmont from Italy, Piemonte, Barbaresco by Marziano & Enrico Abbona Powerful Reds (12 x 75 cl)

A full bodied big wine with a good balance of rich fruit and firm dryness on the finish. A touch of raspberries and even prunes on the palate. (6 x 75 cl)

This wine, recently upgraded to IGT classification is aromatic with a lovely peach and nectarine finish. Flanged bottle. (12 x 75 cl)

Youthful, fruity style with the typically soft, fleshy character of the Merlot grape. In a flanged bottle. (6 x 2 Litres)

Youthful, fruity style with the typically soft, fleshy character of the Merlot grape. In a flanged bottle. (12 x 75 cl)

Corte Vigna Chardonnay delle Venezie from Italy, Veneto by Corte Vigna Rich Dry Whites (12 x 1 Litre)