Sottimano Mate Vino da Tavola Rosso, Piedmont, Italy

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：4475

The 2010 Mate wafts from the glass with sweet herbs, dried flowers and crushed rose petals. This is a mid-weight, understated vintage for Sottimano’s dry Brachetto. A clean, refined finish rounds things out nicely, but this remains a delicate, even somewhat frail red best enjoyed over the next 2-3 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. This is a stunning set of wines from the Sottimano family. The 2008 Barbareschi are among the wines of the vintage and are not to be missed. The transparency and sheer class of these wines is first-rate.Various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; tel. (415) 492-9411 and Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343

The 2009 Mate, a dry Brachetto, shows lovely depth in its dark red fruit, sweet herbs, cloves and minerals. Most Brachettos tend towards the ethereal, but Sottimano's Mate impresses for its gorgeous texture and fine overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. It's hard to go wrong with anything that emerges from this tiny, family-run winery in Neive.Various American importers, including: Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; MS Walker, Warren, RI; tel. (401) 247-0646; Giuliana Imports, Boulder, CO; tel. (303) 449-5477; Domace Vino, Shoreview, MN; tel. (612) 501-5799; Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Sottimano’s 2008 Mate is Brachetto made in a dry style, rather than the more traditional red sparkling wine that has traditionally been the norm. Sweet red cherries, flowers and spices emerge in a medium-bodied style. The wine offers excellent concentration and depth, but the tannins lack the degree of polish that informs the finest vintages of this wine. The finish is subtle and complete, with hints of bitter chocolate and licorice that add a touch of complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. Sottimano is a reference-point producer of Barbaresco. The entry-level wines are made with just as much care as the higher-end wines and deliver tons of value.A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

The 2007 Mate (Brachetto) is a quirky wine, but it is drop-dead stunning. An exotic array of strawberry jam, spices, sweet amaro medicinal herbs and pink peppercorns emerge from this medium-bodied yet intense wine. The wine is best served slightly chilled and is an ideal match to fine salumi and prosciutti. It is a gem. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. I can’t think of too many properties that have made such huge strides in quality as Sottimano has. Recent bottles of the 2001 and 2004 Barbaresco Pajore revealed an enormous leap in elegance and finesse. Fortunately, Sottimano’s entry-level wines are every bit as delicious as their Barbarescos, so readers won’t need to mortgage the house to drink great wines from this producer. I know I am starting to sound like a broken record, but these are truly exceptional wines at this level, or any level for that matter.A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411