“Contrada Zottorinoto” Rosso Riserva Etna DOC 2020

Cottanera | Sicily
Cottanera S.r.l. Agricola | Via XVII Luglio 34 | IT 98100 Messina

19232220 · 0,75 l · 132,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Zottorinoto is not just any contrada – it is a legend among connoisseurs of Etna. Embedded in the historic parcel landscape around Castiglione di Sicilia, this single vineyard rests at 750 metres above sea level, characterised by ancient, barren lava flows rich in basalt, ash and volcanic sand. Wines with a crystal-clear mineral identity are produced here, in which the fire of Mount Etna meets the cool elegance of high altitudes. Only a small proportion of the vines – exclusively Nerello Mascalese – is earmarked for this exceptional Riserva. The vines are deeply rooted in the dark soils, many of them over half a century old, cultivated in the traditional Alberello way. Vinification is carried out with the utmost care: manual harvest in small crates, spontaneous fermentation on the skins for around 30 days, gentle pumping over, long maceration. The wine then matures for 24 months in French tonneaux (partly new), followed by a further 24 months in the bottle.

Dense, bright ruby red in the glass with a garnet-red centre. The nose is complex and multi-layered: ripe sour cherry, dried raspberry, Mediterranean herbs, smoky stone, liquorice, walnut and a hint of tar – like an archaic symphony from a volcano. Powerful and gripping on the palate, with tightly woven tannins that appear polished. The fruit is deep and cool, carried by a lively, vibrant acidity and the finest spice. The final is vibrantly long, with salty minerality and balsamic depth – a crazy wine that does not end, but lingers endlessly in the memory. Anyone who wants to experience the wines of Etna in their most intellectual form will find a worthy ambassador here. Around 2,000 bottles go on sale in the best years. SUPERIORE.DE