Back in 1890, Fiorvante Sottano moved to Argentina from Italy to make wine in the Mendoza region. He would become a pioneer in the production and exportation of quality wines here.
The Sottano family were at the helm until 2016, when the Vincentin family took the reigns, determined to build on the legacy of those before and continue to develop high end wines from Mendoza.
The winery itself is located in the foothills of the Andes mountains and they have vineyards across the two most sought after sub-regions in Mendoza: the Uco Valley & Lujan de Cuyo. Specialising primarily in Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, they have a host of wines across a range of price points with a house level range including some white varieties such as Torrontes and Chardonnay. Our work with Sottano focuses on their range of red wines, from their signature Malbec right the way up to their premium offering 'Judas'.
Sottano believe in extended ageing using a mixture of new and old oak - French and America barrels - developing really powerful wines with great structure and concentration of fruit. As you move up the pyramid of their wines, the criteria for selection of plots and grapes becomes stricter and the amount of time the wines are aged for increases. The resulting wines really do pack a punch.
Here we've highlighted a few of our favourites from our range which are great to enjoy through the winter months. They also make great gifts for anyone who loves big full bodied red wines.
Sottano, Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep and intense cab with a real purity of fruit that jumps out of the glass. Lots of concentrated cassis with a lovely mocha coffee complexity and soft, ripe tannins. I'm thinking this would pair perfectly with beef short rib braised in a red wine sauce. Something really rich and warming would work a treat.
Sottano, Seleccion Blend
The Seleccion series features a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Malbec and a blend of the two. The one is a personal favourite (but all three are fantastic!). The wine owes its heritage to the old blends of Bordeaux, but here has a new world twist. 12 months ageing in a mixture of French and American oak adds a layer of oaky complexity with cedar, dark chocolate and sweet spices, all balanced with a rich texture, concentrated blackcurrants and dark plums. Try pairing this with a Portobello mushroom (or chuck steak pattie) and blue cheese burger. Add some rosemary and sweet caramelised onions and you've a knockout combo.
Sottano, Judas Malbec
The jewel in Sottano's crown, the Judas Malbec is a serious bit of kit. From the winery's finest vineyards, it's aged for 24 months in new oak barrels, 70% French and 30% American. This is concentrated and complex with plenty of red cherries, blackcurrants and juicy plums. It's full bodied with tannins that coat your mouth and a long finish filled with black pepper, tobacco, vanilla and a leathery spice. A serious wine that would make an amazing gift - we've a superb gift box available here. It could also be aged for a number of years in the cellar if you want to treat yourself.
If you're having a dinner party, Judas would be THE perfect accompaniment if the main event was a tomahawk steak!
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