Named the 2019 Winegrower of the year by Gambero Rosso, Francesco Cambria from Cottanera, seems to be enjoying good year rich in awards and recognition. In fact, today the Etna represents one of the most successful lands, not just for the Sicilian wine but for the Italian one too. The diligence and the resources involved by all the producers in the area in order to give value to the vineyards, the range of the local biodiversity, the microclimatic areas and last but not least the Volcano, give the wine a unique nature in its multiple variety.

Cottanera 2018 Etna Rosato (Rosé)

100% Nerello Mascalese from Contrada Diciassettesalme & Castiglione di Sicilia – 750 meters

Only 500 cases produced

90 Points, Vinous: “Bright orange-pink.  High-pitched aromas of strawberry, tangerine, iris & peony, with a mineral note in the background. Clean and classically dry, offering tangy red fruit flavors plus echoes of orange peel and savory herbs. Offers good energy and cut.”

 Cottanera 2017 Bianco “Barbazzale”  

95% Catarratto & 5% Viognier from 15-year-old vines in lava-alluvial soil.  Aged sur-lie for 3 months in stainless steel.

91 Points, James Suckling:  “This is a fresh, herbal and discreetly floral white with good depth and a very crisp finish that has some minerality. Drink now.”

90+ Points, The Wine Advocate:  “The 2017 Catarratto Barbazzale (a blend of 95% Catarratto and 5% Viognier) shows enormous precision and an authentic Etna taste profile. The wine is bright and clean with a crystalline straw-gold color, direct aromas and a mouthfeel that is fresh and snappy. If those characteristics appeal to you, as they do to me, I highly recommend this excellent value wine. The wine is fun and rewarding with loads of mineral character.

 Cottanera 2018 Bianco “Barbazzale”  

95% Catarratto & 5% Viognier from 15-year-old vines in lava-alluvial soil.

Aged sur-lie for 3 months in stainless steel.

92 Points, James Suckling:  “This shows a wealth of apricots, loquat, fresh herbs and chamomile. Medium to full body, loads of herbal and floral flavors and an oily, tangy finish.

Cottanera 2018 Etna Bianco 

100% Carricante from 15-20 year old vines planted in ava-alluvial and lava-clayey soil at 720-750 meters.  Fermented and aged on lees for 6 months in stainless steel

92 Points, James Suckling: “Newly trimmed grass springs out from the glass here, joining lemons, limes and Granny Smith apples. Medium to full body, pure acid crunch and a bright finish. Delightful transparency.”

Cottanera 2017 Etna Rosso “Barbazzale”                                 

90% Nerello Mascalese and 10 % Nerello Capuccio – 15 year old vines in lava-alluvial & lava-clay.  Stainless steel fermented with frequent pump-overs and 5 months aging.  No oak.

92 Points, James Suckling:  “Aromas of dried berries, walnuts, dried herbs and spices. Fullbodied, integrated and very fine with ultra-fine tannins. Rich, tight and balanced. A blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.”

Cottanera 2016 Etna Rosso “Contrada Diciasettesalme”          

100% Nerello Mascalese from 12-year-old vines planted in lava-alluvial soil.  Malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and aged for 8 months in large oak barrel

92 Points, James Suckling:  “A pure Nerello Mascalese with firm and silky tannins, dark chocolate and spice. Medium to full body, firm & silky tannins and a juicy delicious finish.

Cottanera 2017 Etna Rosso “Contrada Diciasettesalme”          

100% Nerello Mascalese from 12-year-old vines planted in lava-alluvial soil.  Malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and aged for 8 months in large oak barrel

92 Points, James Suckling:  “this soon opens to reveal wild strawberries, citrus and red peppers. Medium body, firm tannins and a tangy, mineral finish.”

Cottanera 2012 Etna Rosso Riserva “Contrada Zottorinoto”

100% Nerello Mascalese from 60-year-old vines planted in lava-alluvial soil at 750-800 meters.  100% barrel fermented & aged in French oak for 24-months + extended aging in bottle.  Only 166 cases produced.

95 Points, The Wine Advocate:  “A limited edition, single-vineyard, top-shelf wine. The 2012 puts Cottanera’s winemaking moxie to the test. The results show depth, volume and power, with bold aromatic trimmings of blackberry, crème de cassis, balsam herb & dried mint. But the real personality of the bouquet is driven by those distinctive mineral notes of ash and brimstone.  The wine is alive and succulent. This is an excellent, cellar-worthy red wine from Etna.”

 Cottanera 2013 Etna Rosso Riserva “Contrada Zottorinoto”

100% Nerello Mascalese from 60-year-old vines planted in lava-alluvial soil at 750-800 meters.  100% barrel fermented & aged in French oak for 24-months + extended aging in bottle.  Only 166 cases produced.

94 Points, The Wine Advocate:  “The 2013 Etna Rosso Riserva Zottorinoto is a stunning wine that possesses deep inner depth and a profound nature. The wine reveals itself slowly with a first wave of dried fruit and cassis that later yields to darkened spice and campfire ash. The wine’s mineral backbone is prominent and sophisticated, as it should be given the mighty volcanic territory that shaped it. In the mouth, the wine shows a silky and fine texture that should take on more volume and mass as the wine continues its aging evolution.”