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Free In-Store Meet & Greet:

Francesco Cambria of Cottanera Estate

Friday, June 9th 4:30pm-6:30pm

MacArthur Beverage welcomes Gambero Rosso 2014 Winemaker Of The Year Francesco Cambria of Cottanera Estate in Mount Etna Sicily!

Cottanera began in 1962 with Francesco Cambria began a retreat from his career in Messina, he purchased 100 hectares (247 acres) of vineyards and hazelnut groves near his birthplace in Randazzo, at the foot at Mt. Etna. Francesco grew hazelnuts and initially sold his grapes to the local cooperative, but with the implementation of DOC status for Etna wines in 1968 and a drop in the hazelnut market, he soon decided to focus his attention on growing grapes for bulk wine production, and eventually winemaking in the late 80's with Son Gugliemo. By the mid 90's they embraced lower yields and traditional Etna varietals bottling the Cottanera label. The Cottanera philosophy is best captured in a quote by Gugliemo, "In looking to the future we can but consider all that we have received. Land, as I was taught by my father, is invaluable, as it is the beginning of all, and is what we will become." After the death of Guglielmo, Cottanera is now guided by his brother Enzo and Gugliemo's children Mariangela, Francesco and Emanuele.

Today Cottanera is one of the larger estates on Etna with roughly 65 hectares (160 acres) of vineyards on a 100 hectare (247 acres) estate. The vineyards and winery are located in Castiglione di Sicilia (province of Catania), where all phases of production, from harvest to bottling, are carried out. Resting about 700 meters (2,296 feet) above sea level over lava alluvial and clay soils, the vineyards are positioned in 5 different "contradas" (local districts) – Cottanera, Diciassette Salme, Calderara, Zottorinoto and Feudo di Mezzo – on the northern slope of Mt. Etna, home to most of the volcano's best-known wineries. They believe that highlighting the differences and singularities between the various Etna contradas, will give voice to the wine and the territory itself.

 

Francesco will taste:

 

2020 BARBAZZALE SICILIA BIANCO

composed of predominantly Catarratto, the most typical, and widely planted, white grape variety in Sicily with a small percentage of Viognier. As is typical of Cataratto exhibits a pleasant freshness with delicate floral perfumes of wisteria and Scotch broom on a saline backdrop. Barbazzale is the name of the "contrada," or wine district, in which the grapes are planted in the volcanic soil of Mt. Etna, lending a remarkable minerality to a fresh and flavorful wine

This has aromas of lime pith, white grapefruit, dried herb and white tea. Some salty hints, too. It's medium-bodied with bright acidity and a compact, textured palate. Firm and focused catarratto.
91 Points James Suckling


 

2020 ETNA BIANCO

A pure expression of Mt. Etna, the Etna Bianco is 100% Caricante, an ancient Sicilian white grape variety, thought to have been growing on the volcanic slopes of Mt. Etna for at least a thousand years. Planted at high altitudes on the steep slopes of Mt. Etna, the grapes ripen slowly and steadily throughout the long growing season. On the nose, the Etna Bianco is bursting with citrus notes of lemon and cedar with orange blossom and jasmine. A full-bodied palate is supported by the marked acidity known for this variety, imparting freshness and a long finish a fresh wine with citrus notes. 100% Carricante, aged in stainless steel for about 6 months followed by bottle ageing.

White peaches and apricots appear on the nose before contouring notes of limes and pencil eraser. Mixed citrus and more white peaches mingle on the palate, and a through line of acid balances the dense fruit for a lovely tension.
92 Points Wine Enthusiast


 

2021 Cottanera Etna Rosato DOC (Rosé)

The Etna Rosato is 100% Nerello Mascalese, from vineyards in the Diciasettesalme contrada, positioned just north of the volcano, with a mix of volcanic and alluvial soils. This highly-esteemed variety takes its name from the Mascali plain between Mt. Etna and the coast where it is thought to have originated. The variable volcanic soils of Etna combined with high vineyard elevations (some of the highest in Europe) help produce wines with immense character and complexity, and without the excessive weight that sometimes characterize Sicilian red wines from lower altitudes. The Rosato bursts with floral notes of iris, wisteria and rose, paired with the freshness of aromatic herbs. This is a rich, complex, flavorful wine that embodies the typical characteristics of the volcanic soil from which it comes.

A charming nose of strawberries, lemon cream and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied with plenty of mineral complexity. Roses, berries, wet stone and steel on the palate. Bright acidity. Fresh.
92 Points James Suckling


 

2020 Cottanera Barbazzale Etna Rosso DOC

The Barbazzale Etna Rosso is based predominantly on the indigenous Sicilian grape Nerello Mascalese, a dark-skinned variety that grows most commonly on the volcanic slopes of Mt. Etna. This highly regarded variety tends to produce wines that reflect their surroundings, resulting in firm, fresh reds with fruity, herbaceous flavors, excellent minerality and an earthy nuance and an elegance and finesse often compared to that of Pinot Noir. Nerello Cappuccio completes the Etna Rosso blend (as is typical of Etna Rosso DOC wines) lending color and perfume, as well as softening out some of Nerello Mascalese's harder edges. On the nose, the wine entices with aromas of raspberries, blackberries and wildflowers entwined with a touch of minerality. The palate is fresh and aromatic, balanced by good tannins.

Juicy mulberry, blackberry, raspberry, orange and herb notes here, with a medium body and powdery tannins. Fruity and bright.
90 Points James Suckling


 

2019 ETNA ROSSO Cottanera Contrada Diciassettesalme Etna Rosso DOC

The Nerello Mascalese grapes for the Etna Rosso Diciassettesalme come from the contrada of the same name. "Diciasettesalme" indicates the 25-hectare Cru. The lava-clay soil in the vineyard yields a wine with strength, dense tannins and an intense ruby red color. On the nose, mixed berry perfumes turn softly into herbal notes, such as mauve, thyme and juniper, interlaced with the mineral sensations typical of the variety and vineyards. Perfectly balanced tannins finish with a balsamic note.

The Cottanera 2019 Etna Rosso Diciassettesalme offers a lean and pure expression of Nerello Mascalese without too many extra bells or whistles. The wine finishes fermentation in oak and continues its evolution in large casks for eight months. There are dusty notes that frame cassis and sour cranberry. But both the fruity and the mineral sides of the wine are well-contained and measured. Diciassettesalme offers a highly drinkable and accessible side to Etna.
92 Points Wine Advocate


 

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