“Tradition is important, but it is the beginning of the process.” - Dominga Cotarella
The dynamic Dominga Cotarella of Famigila Cotarella recently joined me for a lively conversation on Instagram Live. In 1979, Dominga's father, Riccardo, and his brother Renzo founded the famed Falesco winery. Riccardo is one of Italy's most famous consulting enologists, and Renzo is the longtime CEO and chief winemaker for Antinori. In 2016, Dominga, and her cousins Marta and Enrica, officially took control of the family business. To mark this new chapter in their winemaking journey, they renamed the business Famiglia Cotarella to emphasize the family behind the label.
Watch the video here or on YouTube to learn more about the Cotarella family, their winemaking philosophy, and the hospitality school they founded several years ago, Intrecci.
During our conversation, Dominga and I tasted two of Famiglia Cotarella's celebrated 100% Merlot wines, the single-vineyard Montiano 2015 ($66) and Sodale 2015 ($25).
First produced in 1993, Montiano is a compelling and full expression of Merlot. Rich, juicy, and concentrated but impressively fresh and graceful, Montiano shows that Merlot can be pretty and powerful.
Also 100% Merlot, 2015 is the first vintage of Sodale. It is the softer, fresher, and more approachable cousin to the acclaimed Montiano. An approachable yet impeccably made wine that is perfect for easy and elegant everyday drinking.
