What wine is Lazio Rosso IGP 'Montiano' 2021 - Famiglia Cotarella

The Lazio Rosso IGP 'Montiano' 2021 - Famiglia Cotarella is one of the iconic red wines of the Lazio region, the result of the experience and innovative vision of the Cotarella brothers. Produced entirely from Merlot grapes, it expresses an elegant and modern character, capable of combining the richness of the varietal with the territorial identity of Lazio.

The Lazio Rosso IGP designation favors the producer's expressive freedom, who in Montiano manages to synthesize complexity, harmony, and softness in a sip that leaves a lasting impression of finesse and balance.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage in Lazio was characterized by a balanced climate, with warm but not excessive days and a good nocturnal temperature drop. These conditions allowed the Merlot grapes to reach perfect phenolic maturity, giving the Lazio Rosso IGP 'Montiano' 2021 great aromatic richness and sweet, silky tannins. The harvest took place manually in the second half of September, with a careful selection of the best bunches.

Vinification and Aging

After harvesting, the grapes are vinified in stainless steel at a controlled temperature to preserve the varietal aromas. Fermentation is followed by a maceration of about 15 days on the skins, necessary to extract color and body without compromising the wine's finesse.

Subsequently, the wine ages for about 12 months in French oak barriques, where it develops toasted notes and a more harmonious structure. The final aging in the bottle completes the maturation, giving Montiano a depth of flavor of rare elegance.

Tasting Notes

A red wine of great personality, which captivates from the first glance and continues to surprise on the nose and palate with its expressiveness.

Color

The Lazio Rosso IGP 'Montiano' 2021 presents an intense ruby color with violet reflections, a sign of youth and vitality. Its clarity and brightness anticipate its quality.

Nose

On the nose, it opens with broad and seductive aromas: ripe plum, black cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant, followed by delicate hints of vanilla, coffee, and sweet spices derived from the wood. The bouquet is complex but perfectly balanced, with a finesse that invites tasting.

Palate

On the palate, it reveals a full and velvety structure, supported by soft and integrated tannins. The sip is warm, enveloping, and long-lasting, with an elegant finish that recalls ripe fruit and a slight balsamic note. A wine that impresses with its balance, harmony, and pleasant drinkability.

What dishes to pair with Lazio Rosso IGP 'Montiano' 2021 - Famiglia Cotarella

Perfect for accompanying traditional Italian cuisine, Montiano enhances rich and structured dishes. Ideal pairings include:

• Grilled or stewed red meats
• Roasts of veal and lamb
• Aged cheeses and Pecorino cheeses from Lazio
• Dishes based on mushrooms or truffles

Also interesting with flavorful first courses like pappardelle with ragù or lasagna, where the Merlot's softness perfectly balances the succulence of the dish.

Storage and aging: how to store Lazio Rosso IGP 'Montiano' 2021 - Famiglia Cotarella wine

To best preserve the Lazio Rosso IGP 'Montiano' 2021 - Famiglia Cotarella, it is advisable to keep it in a cool environment, with a constant temperature around 12-14°C, away from light sources and vibrations. The bottle should be kept horizontally, to keep the cork moist.

Thanks to its structure and expert aging in wood, this wine has an excellent aging potential: it can evolve positively for over 10 years, developing tertiary notes of spices, cocoa, and leather that amplify its complexity. An ideal choice both for those who wish to enjoy it immediately and for those who love to discover how a great wine can improve with time.