Barbaresco Serraboella Paitin 2022 (750ML)

Serraboella is a long hill in southern Neive whose west face bends south and steepens; Paitin's Barbaresco comes from that steepest, warmest side, at 280 to 320 meters. Two vineyards go into it: 'd Tourun, on sand and marl beside the Bricco, and the more sheltered Schiena d'Ernestin, on fossil-rich marly limestone. Both are farmed organically and picked by hand, and the wine has been bottled separately since 1999, after years as part of Sorì Paitin. It is 100% Nebbiolo, macerated three to six weeks in steel and finished under a submerged cap before moving to 15-year-old casks of Slavonian and Austrian oak. The 2022 is dark and reserved, with black cherry, wild strawberry, blood orange, iron, leather and incense, a streak of mint and a salty lift. Firm tannins need time; critics see it opening from 2026. At the table, think wild mushroom tajarin, roast pheasant or aged Castelmagno.