Famiglia Cotarella (Tenuta Montiano)
Merlot Sodale 2022
| Denomination | IGT Lazio |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Area | Lazio (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Aging | Malolactic fermentation entirely in barriques; aged for 9 months in new Allier and Tronçais barriques. |
- Grape variety and origin: 100% Merlot, Lazio Indicazione Geografica Tipica, harvested in 2022, Famiglia Cotarella
- Vinification and ageing: hand-picked, 15 days maceration, 9 months in new barriques
- Aroma: notes of ripe red fruit, sweet spices, cocoa and vanilla from the oak
- Taste: rounded and velvety structure, soft and sweet tannins, long and persistent finish
- Serving and ratings: temperature 16-18 °C, one hour decanting; 92/100 James Suckling, Vinous
Description
What kind of wine is it
Cotarella Merlot Sodale is a still red wine made exclusively from Merlot grapes. An expression of Lazio, it reveals a deep colour enriched by elegant violet highlights. The bouquet is harmonious, characterised by notes of ripe red fruits such as cherry and plum, combined with hints of sweet spices, cocoa and vanilla. On the palate it is round and enveloping, with a soft tannic texture that accompanies a long and persistent finish.
Where does it come from
This wine originates from the areas of Montefiascone and Castiglione in Teverina. The Cotarella vineyards are situated at around three hundred metres above sea level, resting on sedimentary clay soils with clear volcanic influences. This geological matrix gives the wine structure and depth of colour, ensuring optimal ripening of the grapes and balancing the richness of the sip with a pleasant mineral freshness.
How is it produced
After a careful manual harvest, the grapes macerate for fifteen days with repeated punch-downs, followed by fermentation in steel. Malolactic fermentation and nine months of ageing take place in new oak barrels from Allier and Tronçais. This oenological care shapes a velvety profile, making the wine ideal for pairing with braised red meats, game and mature cheeses with an intense flavour.
History and Curiosities
The Merlot Sodale 2022 is the result of the dedication of the Cotarella Family, an outstanding estate located on the border between Lazio and Umbria. This fine Lazio IGT represents the culmination of over twenty-five years of experimentation with Merlot, combining expert winemaking tradition with an innovative and contemporary vision. The name of the label celebrates the noble value of friendship, embodying a sincere bond capable of expressing the authentic soul of the region. A true oenological masterpiece, consecrated by the prestigious 92 points from James Suckling and Vinous.
Awards
-
2022
4Italian Sommelier Foundation (FIS) guide This has been one of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy for over 10 years.
-
2022
92/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2022
3One of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy.
-
2022
92/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1979
- Oenologist: Riccardo Cotarella, Pier Paolo Chiasso
- Bottles produced: 3.800.000
- Hectares: 370
| Name | Cotarella Merlot Sodale 2022 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | Lazio IGT |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Lazio |
| Vendor | Famiglia Cotarella (Tenuta Montiano) |
| Story | History and Curiosities The Merlot Sodale 2022 is the result of the dedication of the Cotarella Family, an outstanding estate located on the border between Lazio and Umbria. This fine Lazio IGT represents the culmination of over twenty-five years of experimentation with Merlot, combining expert winemaking tradition with an innovative and contemporary vision. The name of the label celebrates the noble value of friendship, embodying a sincere bond capable of expressing the authentic soul of the region. A true oenological masterpiece, consecrated by the prestigious 92 points from James Suckling and Vinous. |
| Origin | Montefiascone, Castiglione in Teverina (Viterbo) |
| Soil composition | Sedimentary, predominantly clayey with volcanic influences |
| Cultivation system | Spur-pruned cordon |
| Plants per hectare | 4,200 plants per hectare |
| Yield per hectare | 5,000 kg per hectare |
| Harvest | First week of September |
| Production technique | Manual harvest; maceration on the skins for 15 days with numerous punch-downs and 20% bleeding; alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel; malolactic fermentation entirely in barrique; ageing for 9 months in new Allier and Tronçais barriques |
| Wine making | Hand-picked grapes selected in the winery; maceration on the skins for 15 days with frequent punch-downs and 20% saignée; alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel; full malolactic fermentation in barriques; aged for 9 months in new Allier and Tronçais barriques. |
| Aging | Malolactic fermentation entirely in barriques; aged for 9 months in new Allier and Tronçais barriques. |
| Total acidity | 5.1 gr/L |
| PH | 3.65 |
| Dry extract | 32.6 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |