Lazio IGT Rosso Montiano 2022 Famiglia Cotarella

What kind of wine it is

Montiano by Famiglia Cotarella is a red wine from Lazio made from 100% Merlot. It has a defined, precise profile—rich yet never overdone—and it finishes with supple tannins. This is a red of finesse and measured structure, with aging in barrique that completes its complexity.

Where it comes from

The grapes are grown between Montefiascone and Castiglione in Teverina, in Lazio, on vineyards at about 300 meters of altitude. The soil is of volcanic origin, rich in stones, and the vines, trained to guyot, have an average age of 16 years. Merlot has adapted well to the pedo-climatic characteristics of these hills, reaching optimal ripeness here.

How it is made

The grapes arrive at the winery with ideal phenolic and sugar ripeness and undergo a hand selection, berry by berry. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in truncated-cone tanks of stainless steel, with skin maceration for 12 days and a saignée. The wine then goes into barriques, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels.

Tasting notes

The color is a deep ruby red. On the nose, notes of cherry emerge immediately, followed by blackberry jam, hints of cocoa and balsamic nuances. On the palate it is defined, precise and rich without excess, elegant in structure, and it finishes with supple tannins that accompany the sip.

Food pairings

Its balanced structure and gentle tannins pair well with red meats, roasts and braises, as well as with first courses with meat sauces and aged cheeses. The cocoa and ripe fruit notes enhance flavorful, slow-cooked dishes.

When to serve it

This is a red suited to sit-down dinners with structured dishes and to occasions when you want an elegant yet easy-drinking wine. A large-bowled glass and a few minutes of aeration after opening bring out its fruit and cocoa aromas.