At a glance

Producer

Famiglia Cotarella

Region

Lazio, Italy

Grape variety

Merlot

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$35-50 USD

Tasting profile

Vivid dark cherry and plum, notes of violet, mocha, and subtle vanilla; fresh, juicy palate with spice and fine tannins.

Evolution: Develops truffle, leather, and earthy undertones with secondary cedar and tobacco as it matures.

At peak: Silky, complex, with full integration of fruit, tannin, and oak; tertiary nuances of earth, cocoa, and dried herbs.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium plus, ripe and polished

Alcohol

14-14.5% ABV

Aging potential

7-10 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2029

Optimal window

2024 to 2031

Current status

Youthful, structured but approachable

Current condition

Primary fruit and oak integration present, moderate development

This vintage offers considerable fruit depth and structure for medium-term aging. The wine’s dense fruit core softens and integrates with tertiary notes around 5-8 years after harvest, marking its peak drinking window.

Food pairing

Lamb chops, braised short rib, wild mushroom risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, or eggplant Parmigiana.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium plus tannins which can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors, especially given its youth.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Famiglia Cotarella has invested in vineyard health with controlled chemical use, integrated pest management, and some initiatives for energy and water efficiency, though details are moderate. Packaging features recycled glass and lighter bottles since recent vintages.

Famiglia Cotarella has made sustainability improvements, emphasizing soil health and some eco-friendly practices, but lacks robust third-party certification and fully transparent reporting. Packaging changes are a positive step. Some sustainable practices in the vineyard and cellar, but international distribution increases the overall carbon footprint. A moderate score reflects good but not leading efforts in environmental sustainability for the region.