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SKU 976218
$1,111.38/case
$185.23/bottle
Tariffs included
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The Fausoni zone provides sandy and clay soils, and you get more power here than from the other locations. These vines are 35 to 40 years old, and the 2016 Barbaresco Fausoni lets fly those menthol notes that are so characteristic of this vineyard in Neive. Slightly more balsamic in its aromatic profile than the other Barbarescos, this expression of Nebbiolo, sitting sur lies for two years, shows a very different tannic feel in a wine that offers surprising freshness and purity. Those minty Neive notes, its direct and linear nature, plus the very precise and sharply managed tannins make this cru a winner in my book. Some 6,000 bottles were made.
The Nebbiolo grape varietal is widely understood to be the fruit responsible for Italy's finest aged wines. However, its popularity and reliability as a grape which gives out outstanding flavors and aromas has led it to be planted in many countries around the world, with much success. These purple grapes are distinguishable by the fact that they take on a milky dust as they begin to reach maturity, leading many to claim that this is the reason for their unusual name, which means 'fog' in Italian. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines which have a wide range of beautiful and fascinating flavors, the most common of which are rich, dark and complex, such as violet, truffle, tobacco and prunes. They are generally aged for many years to balance out their characteristics, as their natural tannin levels tend to be very high.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Piedmont
Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.
Appellation
Barbaresco
Barbaresco, a jewel within Italy’s Piedmont region, is an illustrious wine appellation celebrated for its exceptional Nebbiolo wines. Nestled alongside the Tanaro River, its unique terroir, characterized by marl and calcareous soils, imparts a distinct finesse to the grapes. What sets Barbaresco apart is the Nebbiolo grape’s expression—marked by elegant tannins and a captivating balance between power and grace. The region’s temperate climate and significant diurnal temperature variation enhance the grape’s aromatic complexity. Barbaresco wines, with their notes of red berries, roses, and earth, offer a refined alternative to the robust Barolo. Recognized for their approachability in youth yet capable of impressive aging, Barbaresco exemplifies the artistry of Piedmontese winemaking, inviting enthusiasts to savor the rich tapestry of flavors and the inherent elegance of Nebbiolo.
WA95pts
Wine Advocate
The Fausoni zone provides sandy and clay soils, and you get more power here than from the other locations. These vines are 35 to 40 years old, and the 2016 Barbaresco Fausoni lets fly those menthol notes that are so characteristic of this vineyard in Neive. Slightly more balsamic in its aromatic profile than the other Barbarescos, this expression of Nebbiolo, sitting sur lies for two years, shows a very different tannic feel in a wine that offers surprising freshness and purity. Those minty Neive notes, its direct and linear nature, plus the very precise and sharply managed tannins make this cru a winner in my book. Some 6,000 bottles were made.
VM95pts
Vinous Media
The 2016 Barbaresco Fausoni is another superb wine in this lineup of 2016 Barbarescos from the Sottimano family. Bright floral and citrus overtones give the 2016 a vibrant, chiseled feel. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol rose petal and lavender are some of the many notes that flesh out in this super-expressive, mid-weight Barbaresco from Sottimano. Aromatically lifted, dense on the palate and also very structured, the 2016 is a very complete Fausoni. The 2016 finishes with tremendous persistence and a classic sense of austerity that is compelling.
WNS95pts
Wine & Spirits
From 45-year-old vines rooted in sandy clay soils in the Fausoni cru, this is a high-toned, floral 2016. Scents of mint, thyme and violet surge from the glass, previewing brisk flavors of red cherry and orange peel woven together by fine, sandpapery tannins.
JS93pts
James Suckling
Delicious, lifted notes of incense and candlewax envelop dried rose petals and cedar. Tannic and structured, full-bodied and powerful, this remains an elegant Barbaresco with a sheen of iridescent acidity and a buffed, polished texture. Drink from 2021.
WS92pts
Wine Spectator
Plum and cherry fruit is accented by licorice, leather and tar notes in this tightly wound red. The tannins are on the severe side today, yet this finds equilibrium in the end. Best from 2023 through 2043. 450 cases made, 200 cases imported.
Winery Notes
• Nebbiolo from 45-year-old vines planted in Neive to soils composed of sand and clay.
• Fermentation and maceration on the skins for about 40 days with indigenous yeasts.
• Malolactic fermentation in French barrels coopered expressly for Sottimano by Francois Frères in Burgundy.
• The wine remains on the lees for approximately 24 months.
• 10% of the barrels used for aging this wine are new; the remaining 90% have previously been used up to 4 times.
• No fining or filtration.
![Sottimano Langhe Nebbiolo [Basarin]](https://www.saratogawine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/f6df583.png "Sottimano Langhe Nebbiolo [Basarin]")
![Sottimano Brachetto Mate [Dry-Still]](https://www.saratogawine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20f8fe1.png "Sottimano Brachetto Mate [Dry-Still]")
