Montiano 2018 Lazio Rosso IGP - Cotarella

Montiano 2018 – Famiglia Cotarella

Montiano is the wine that made the Cotarellas known as producers. It was born in 1993 at the hands of Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella at Montefiascone, on the border between Lazio and Umbria, an area then known only for white wine and where Merlot had never been grown. Today the estate is run by Riccardo's daughters, Dominga, Marta and Enrica.

It is a pure Merlot from vineyards on the area's volcanic hills. From the 2016 vintage the new generation tightened selection, reduced production and lengthened barrique ageing, with a dedicated gravity-flow cellar.

The 2018 is a full, smooth Merlot: dark fruit, plum, dark chocolate, sweet spice and liquorice, with velvety tannins and good freshness. One of Italy's best-known Merlots, on a par with the great Tuscan names. With fillet steak, lamb, game and aged cheeses.

At a glance: Merlot 100% · 14.5% ABV · 0.75 l · Famiglia Cotarella, Montefiascone (Lazio)