Etna Rosso Riserva Contrada Zottorinoto DOC 2019 Cottanera

What kind of wine it is

Zottorinoto by Cottanera is an Etna Rosso Riserva made from Nerello Mascalese grapes cultivated in a single cru. This remarkable red stands out for its solid structure and offers a deep profile where the dense tannic weave blends with a distinctive sapidity. The meticulous approach in the cellar, which involves an extended period in wood, enhances the intrinsic complexity of the raw material. In the glass, all the strength of the volcanic terroir is expressed, delivering a captivating sip defined by clear structural elegance and memorable persistence.

Where it comes from

The grapes come exclusively from the renowned Contrada Zottorinoto, a plot that represents one of the finest expressions of the Etna area. The rows are composed of vines up to sixty years old, located at an altitude between seven hundred fifty and eight hundred meters above sea level. The roots plunge into a deep lava-based soil, a key element that imparts Nerello Mascalese with its characteristic sapidity and an extremely clear aromatic profile. The balance between old vines and high altitude ensures grapes of rare concentration.

How it is produced

The cellar process begins with a gentle pressing, followed by a thirty-day maceration at controlled temperature to optimize extraction of color and aromas. The alcoholic fermentation takes place in steel tanks, accompanied by constant pumping over and cap punching, then gives way to natural malolactic fermentation. The wine then matures for twenty-four months in French oak barrels, a long rest that polishes the tannic profile and enriches the bouquet with subtle spicy notes. A final bottle aging of twelve months completes the definition of every organoleptic nuance.

Tasting notes

In the glass the wine shows a bright garnet red color, a prelude to measured evolution and a noble maturity. The nose opens with a fascinating interplay of fresh flowers and Mediterranean scrub, introducing fragrant aromas of blueberry, raspberry and blackberry. The olfactory profile is accented with spicy touches of vanilla and a finish reminiscent of black tea leaves. On the palate it reveals a full-bodied and velvety character, supported by a refreshing savory edge and well-integrated tannins that lead to a long, orderly, and deeply harmonious finish.

Food pairings

At the table, this great red demands dishes of significant intensity and is the ideal companion for preparations based on mushrooms or truffles, where the wine’s persistence balances the earthy notes of the dishes. The solid structure and balanced tannin make it perfect to accompany important roasts and tasty game recipes, as well as assorted boards of aged cheeses. It pairs beautifully with rich sauces from Sicilian cuisine and shows particular affinity with coniglio alla stimpirata, where the glass's fruity and spicy aromas harmonize perfectly with Mediterranean flavors.

Serving suggestions

This red is the ideal choice to accompany structured menus and to celebrate grand gastronomic occasions, especially in the autumn or winter season. It is an authoritative presence that enhances convivial lunches and refined dinners, maintaining its balance from start to finish. Thanks to its lengthy maturation in wood and further rest in glass, it is presented at an excellent stage of expression. If poured and left to rest in the glass to allow for natural oxygenation, it offers a deep tasting experience that enhances the floral and spicy complexity that distinguishes it.