Wine Details

Cottanera Contrada Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso DOC

100% Nerello Mascalese from 40+ year old vines planted in lava soil (volcanic black powder and small lava stones) at 750 meters.  Feudo di Mezzo is the largest contrada of the Etna DOC, but the Estate’s plot in the Contrada is only 2 hectares in size. Here the Nerello Mascalese exhibits an austere, dusky character with autumnal tones and a floral bouquet enhances by spice and red fruits. The palate is structured with rich tannins, destined for longevity.  After a long maceration, malolactic fermentation is carried out in 20hl-30hl French oak casks. The wine is then aged for 14-16 months in French oak casks and 18 months in bottle.

Region:

Producer:

Cottanera

Classification:

Etna Rosso DOC

Variety:

100% Nerello Mascalese

Number of bottles produced:

7,000 bottles

Production area:

Contrada Feudo di Mezzo, Castiglione di Sicilia

Altitude:

750-770 meters (2460-2526 feet) a.s.l.

Age of vines:

25-30 years

Yield:

6,000 kg/ha

Training:

Espalier

Vinification:

Gentle destemming and temperature-controlled (28°C /82°F) maceration on the skins for about 30 days. Temperature-controlled fermentation (26-28°C/78-82°F), with constant pump-overs and pressing. Malolactic fermentation in French oak casks.

Refining:

14-16 months in French oak casks

Alcohol content:

13.5%

pH level:

3.77

Acidity:

5.1 g/l

Soil:

Lava

Harvest:

10-20 days into October - manual, with small crates

Bottling:

Aged 18 months in bottle

Recent press reviews

92

Cottanera Contrada Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso DOC 2021

James Suckling (92)- "This offers a spicy character with ripe cherries and wild strawberries, as well as hints of dried flowers and earthy complexity. Medium-bodied with a dusty texture and a vibrant core of fruit. Zesty and mineral nuances at the end. Drink or hold."

95

Cottanera Contrada Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso DOC 2020

Decanter (95)- "On the northern slope of Etna, Cottanera’s vineyard in the Contrada Feudo di Mezzo is some two hectares of volcanic black powder and small lava stones planted to Nerello Mascalese, the vines averaging 40 years of age. Following strict selection of the grapes and a long maceration, malolactic fermentation is carried out in 20hl-30hl French oak casks. The wine is then aged for 14-16 months in French oak casks and 18 months in bottle. Super nose of red and black fruits, meaty reduction, liquorice, fresh bay leaf and coal embers. Fresh palate with a core of bright fruit, good length. Real Etna character. (Jason Millar) Intense, finely delineated aromas: smoke, spice, cherries and autumn leaves. Water on stones minerality. Harmonious, nervy, long, sinewy, poised. (Susan Hulme MW) An unusual meaty, nutmeg aroma, followed by sweetly ripe dark berry fruit and nicely integrated oak. A bit drying towards the finish. (Anthony Rose)"

94

Cottanera Contrada Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso DOC 2020

Wine Advocate (94)- "The Cottanera 2020 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo is a wine of pretty tension and brightness. This light, garnet-colored expression of Nerello Mascalese offers lifted aromas of wild cherry, redcurrant and damson plum. There is a momentary note of raspberry-like sweetness on the mid-palate, but the wine extends to graphite aromas and shaved pencil. This is a nicely balanced interpretation of a warm vintage."