Wine Details

Cottanera Barbazzale Etna Rosso DOC

The Barbazzale Etna Rosso is based predominantly on the indigenous Sicilian grape Nerello Mascalese, a dark-skinned variety that grows most commonly on the volcanic slopes of Mt. Etna. This highly regarded variety tends to produce wines that reflect their surroundings, resulting in firm, fresh reds with fruity, herbaceous flavors, excellent minerality and an earthy nuance and an elegance and finesse often compared to that of Pinot Noir. Nerello Cappuccio completes the Etna Rosso blend (as is typical of Etna Rosso DOC wines) lending color and perfume, as well as softening out some of Nerello Mascalese's harder edges. On the nose, the wine entices with aromas of raspberries, blackberries and wildflowers entwined with a touch of minerality. The palate is fresh and aromatic, balanced by good tannins.

Region:

Producer:

Cottanera

Classification:

Etna Rosso DOC

Variety:

90% Nerello Mascalese 10% Nerello Cappuccio

Number of bottles produced:

120,000 bottles

Production area:

Contrada Cottanera, Castiglione di Sicilia

Altitude:

720 meters (2,362 feet) a.s.l.

Age of vines:

15 years

Yield:

7,500 kg/ha

Training:

Espalier

Vinification:

Destemming and temperature-controlled maceration on the skins for 20-25 days. Temperature-controlled (26°C/79°F) fermentation in stainless steel, with frequent pump-overs and pressing.

Refining:

In stainless steel for about 5 months

Alcohol content:

13.5%

pH level:

3.5

Acidity:

5.1 g/l

Soil:

Lava-alluvial and lava clay

Harvest:

Last week of October - manual, with small crates

Recent press reviews

90

Cottanera Barbazzale Etna Rosso DOC 2021

James Suckling (90)- "Juicy mulberry, blackberry, raspberry, orange and herb notes here, with a medium body and powdery tannins. Fruity and bright. Drink now."

90

Cottanera Barbazzale Etna Rosso DOC 2020

James Suckling (90)- "Some nice red-fruit character, but there's a rather simple feel to this. Medium body, lightly firm tannins and a clean finish. Drink now."

90

Cottanera Barbazzale Etna Rosso DOC 2020

Wine Enthusiast (90)- "Vanilla-cherry cola and wild herbs float above meaty, leathery undertones on the nose of this wine. The palate is warmed by ripe cherries and berries as well as pepper, spices and a last flash of heat on the back."