2022 Matè

I first started visiting Sottimano in the early 2000s, when I often stopped by to buy wines for my own cellar. Since then, Andrea Sottimano has completely transformed the domaine, moving away from the modernist approach he favored back then to wines that embody a contemporary expression of classicism that is hugely appealing. The Barbarescos now see close to three months on the skins and are aged in cask, with no racking. Sottimano’s 2020 Barbarescos are every bit as exceptional as they were last year. It’s hard to say at this stage, as the wines have only recently been bottled, but the 2021 Barbarescos may turn out to be even better, as they benefit from a cooler growing season with longer hang time. Readers should also focus on the more affordable wines, as they are among the very best in their respective peer groups.