Famiglia Cotarella

Since its creation in 1998, Vitiano Rosso has been one of the most successful Italian red wines on the international market – a classic that masterfully combines tradition and modernity. The grapes grow on the hills around Orvieto, where sedimentary limestone-clay soils with volcanic influences form the basis, at an altitude of around 300 metres. The blend of one third each of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is vinified separately: Merlot contributes fullness and velvety texture, Cabernet Sauvignon lends structure and depth, while Sangiovese provides balance with its lively acidity.

Tellus was the Roman goddess of the earth, whose festival was celebrated by the ancient Romans on 15 April. The name is fitting for a wine that has been linked to the art world from the very beginning – its label was originally designed in Rome, where artists left their mark at Castel Sant'Angelo. Since its tenth anniversary, Tellus has also been part of a social project: children from the estate's own Fattoria Tellus design their own labels, with a portion of the proceeds going to charitable initiatives. The grapes are grown in Castiglione in Teverina, at an altitude of 300 metres, on sandy soil of medium texture, using the spur pruning method. Following the harvest in the second week of September, there is a four-day cold maceration at 18 to 20°C, which preserves the grapes' natural freshness and fruitiness. The wine is then fermented in steel tanks at 25 to 27°C for a total of 14 days, before malolactic fermentation is completed in oak.

The fame and Latin name of this legendary wine dates back to the beginning of the 12th century. In the current Est! Est!!! Est!!! Poggio dei Gelsi, Riccardo Cotarella brought all his bravura to bear: he gave it an appetising, aromatic spiciness that is supported by a slender, lively structure. Pale straw yellow in colour. Subtle, pure aromas of fresh citrus fruit, white flowers and nectarine. Fresh, beautifully balanced and gently concentrated on the palate, offering good density and a bright acidity lift. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for this Vermentino come from the highest-altitude vineyards of Tenuta Marciliano. Meticulous work in the vineyard ensures impeccably healthy grapes that reach optimal ripeness at exactly the right moment – at 220 metres, on calcareous soil, trained using the Guyot system. The freshly harvested grapes are taken straight to the winery and pressed. The floral must ferments in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 15°C to preserve the variety's typical aromas. After fermentation, the wine matures for three months on its own fine lees, without malolactic fermentation.

Soente – a name that comes from the abbreviation of "sovente" (often), open and bright in sound. This pure Viognier comes from the Tenuta Montiano in the heart of Lazio, where the Cotarella family has been experimenting for years with international grape varieties that have adapted perfectly to the climate and soils of this area. Five hectares at an altitude of three hundred metres, loose, skeleton-rich soils – ideal conditions for a Viognier with freshness and aromatic depth.

The Cotarellas have dedicated a second Verdeluce to the "green heart of Italy": a single-varietal Vermentino from the hills around Montecchio near Orvieto. Whilst the Bianco blend focuses on complexity and depth, the Vermentino plays the card of freshness and immediacy. Pale straw yellow with greenish highlights. The nose is clean and delicate: chamomile, kumquat, yellow peach, a hint of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is slender and light-footed, with lively acidity and that salty undertone that characterises a good Vermentino. Uncomplicated in the best sense of the word – a wine for an aperitif, for seafood, for summer evenings. SUPERIORE.DE

Trentanni was first produced for Falesco's 30th anniversary and combines equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese from the high altitudes around Montecchio and Orvieto. The mild climate and chalky soils give the cuvée elegance and structure. Intense ruby red colour in the glass. Ripe plum, dark cherry and blackcurrant on the nose, accompanied by Mediterranean herbs and a hint of vanilla from the six months of ageing in barriques. Balanced and juicy on the palate, with a fine tannin structure, lively acidity and clear fruit. The finish is long, savoury and subtly mineral. A wine with character and harmony that convincingly combines tradition and modern drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

The Aleatico grape variety is of Greek origin and is mainly used in Tuscany and central Italy for the production of dessert wines. The grapes were harvested late and processed gently to guarantee maximum flavour concentration and typical sweet wine charm. The wine was matured in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and pure fruit. In the glass, the wine has a dense ruby colour with a light violet hue. On the nose, it seduces with candied raspberry, blackcurrant, a delicate rose petal fragrance, sweet fig and a hint of dark chocolate. Soft and supple on the palate, with elegant sweetness and a rich mouthfeel. The lively acidity balances the sweetness perfectly, the finish is long, inviting and pleasantly savoury. An intense, charming wine for conscious moments of pleasure – on its own, with cheese variations or with dark chocolate. Total production: 2,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

Sodale presents Merlot in its purest and, at the same time, most charming form: this single-varietal wine is grown on limestone-rich hillsides around Montefiascone – where the cool evening air enhances its sophistication and elegance. In the glass, it is a luminous ruby red with a slight violet rim. The bouquet entices with aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, dark cherry and a hint of floral violet notes, underpinned by delicate herbal undertones. On the palate, it is juicy and harmonious, with velvety tannins, sustained fruit sweetness and a lively texture. The subtle acidity lends freshness and makes it a pleasure to drink, whilst the elegant, spicy finish leaves you wanting more. Not an opulent statement, but a stylish Merlot with balance, drinkability and character. Authentic, charming and quintessentially Cotarella. SUPERIORE.DE

One of the finest rosés from Lazio, with just 2,800 bottles produced: the grapes for the rare Sorèlle come from Cotarella's younger Merlot vineyards and the historic Aleatico vineyard. The grapes, pressed at different times, are left in the press for two hours at a temperature of 10°C after destemming. This allows the aromas to be locked in and their characteristics to be brought to the fore. Once alcoholic fermentation is complete, the wine remains in stainless steel tanks in contact with its fine lees. Only then is the blending carried out.

A wine of origin and rarity value – ferentano is a pure white wine made from the old Roscetto vine, cultivated around Montefiascone on Lake Bolsena. The very thick berry skins store intense flavours, while the controlled ageing (including barrique) combines purity and depth. Medium straw yellow in the glass with golden reflections. Exotic notes of banana, pineapple and ripe peach on the nose, combined with vegetal accents and a hint of vanilla. Rich and soft on the palate, with plenty of substance, balancing acidity and a long, red fruit finish – perfectly animating and without sweetness. An inimitable white wine with a surprising fullness and elegant structure – a Roscetto that is authentic through and through! SUPERIORE.DE

Verdeluce – green light – is the name of this wine that the Famiglia Cotarella dedicates to the hills around Orvieto, the area on the border between Lazio and Umbria that has always been synonymous with quality white wines. Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella, two of Italy's most influential Oenologist, founded Falesco in 1979 with the aim of revitalising forgotten grape varieties. Today, cousins Dominga, Marta and Enrica continue the legacy – with a modern style and an international outlook, without losing their roots in the territory.

This unusual Metodo Classico comes from the volcanic hills of Montecchio near Montefiascone and shows the rare autochthonous Roscetto grape variety in its most elegant form. The grapes thrive on just two hectares of vines at an altitude of 300 metres, where mineral-rich volcanic soils give the wine its characteristic polish. After careful manual harvesting and gentle pressing with only 45 per cent must yield, the wine matures on the lees for 36 months – a patience that results in a fine perlage and aromatic depth.

Marciliano is a truly ambitious Cabernet cuvée from the Sangiovese-dominated Montecchio/Orvieto region and reflects uncompromising quality and craftsmanship. The 2019 vintage was characterised by mild but structure-enhancing weather conditions: cool nights during the harvest phase and warm days that perfectly balanced the ripeness of the aromas. In the glass, it has a dense ruby red colour with a garnet red hue. The nose intones ripe sour cherry, stewed plums, ripe wild berries, and further develops smoke, leather, hints of white truffle and a touch of vanilla and cedar wood. Powerful yet polished on the palate – clearly structured, with fine-grained, ripe tannins, lively acidity and a substrate-rich, spicy texture. The ageing in barriques was selectively dosed and supports the spiciness without masking the varietal typicity. Marciliano is a serious, mature red wine with depth and potential. Expressive, focussed and with a lasting finish – a lasting ambassador of modern Umbria. SUPERIORE.DE

For some years now, Riccardo Cotarella's Montiano has been characterised by great freshness and dark, concentrated fruit. In contrast to the vintages of the early 1990s, the wine has become much livelier and more dynamic. And the 2021 vintage brings a new nuance to this characterful Merlot: riper, denser and finer at the same time. The climatic conditions – an early summer temperature rise followed by cooler evening hours – allowed for slow, even ripening with perfect concentration levels. As always, the Montefiascone region delivers mineral-structured fruit and precise floral components.

Ogrà, named after the family's grandmother, is the result of many years of experimentation and experience with the interaction of microclimate and terroir on the best possible development of the Syrah grape. Finally, the family vineyard Castiglione in Teverina was chosen, from whose volcanic soils the grapes for the just 3,000 bottles of this rare exceptional Syrah come.

For some years now, Riccardo Cotarella's Montiano has been characterised by great freshness and dark, concentrated fruit. In contrast to the vintages of the early 1990s, the wine has become much livelier and more dynamic. And the 2021 vintage brings a new nuance to this characterful Merlot: riper, denser and finer at the same time. The climatic conditions – an early summer temperature rise followed by cooler evening hours – allowed for slow, even ripening with perfect concentration levels. As always, the Montefiascone region delivers mineral-structured fruit and precise floral components.

Ogrà, named after the family's grandmother, is the result of many years of experimentation and experience with the interaction of microclimate and terroir on the best possible development of the Syrah grape. Finally, the family vineyard Castiglione in Teverina was chosen, from whose volcanic soils the grapes for the just 3,000 bottles of this rare exceptional Syrah come.