At a glance

Producer

Cottanera

Region

Etna, Sicily, Italy

Grape variety

Nerello Mascalese

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$35

Tasting profile

Ripe red cherries, wild berries, hints of volcanic minerality, subtle spice and earth

Evolution: Develops more complex tertiary notes like leather, tobacco, and forest floor with age

At peak: Balanced expression of fruit, mineral, and savory complexity with supple tannins

Structure

Acidity

High, bright and refreshing

Tannins

Medium to firm, fine-grained

Alcohol

13.5%-14.0%

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2032

Optimal window

2026 to 2032

Current status

Young with emerging complexity

Current condition

Fresh fruit character with vibrant acidity and firm tannins

The Nerello Mascalese grape combined with volcanic soils provides a naturally high acidity and firm tannins, allowing wines like Cottanera Etna Rosso 2022 to develop complexity over nearly a decade or more. The structure supports medium-term aging where primary fruit mellows into savory tertiary elements.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled red meats, roasted lamb, wild mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and hearty Sicilian specialties.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To soften tannins and open up aromatic complexity

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Cottanera employs sustainable farming practices including hand-harvesting, minimal intervention winemaking, water conservation measures, and uses lightweight glass bottles to reduce packaging weight.

Cottanera's commitment to organic viticulture, combined with energy-efficient winery operations and reduced packaging weight, contributes to a solid sustainability profile. The use of native Nerello Mascalese grapes well adapted to volcanic soils enhances vineyard biodiversity and resilience, lowering the need for chemical inputs.