Cotarella Merlot Sodale 2022

Cotarella Merlot Sodale 2022 is a polished, modern Italian Merlot from the hills of Lazio, just north of Rome. Crafted by the renowned Famiglia Cotarella, it offers a generous, fruit-driven profile wrapped in refined structure, making it an accessible yet genuinely serious red. The “Sodale” label has become a reference point for quality Merlot in central Italy, showcasing how this international grape can express a distinctly Italian elegance and charm.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Sodale 2022 shows a deep, vibrant ruby-red colour with violet reflections at the rim, hinting at its youth and freshness. The nose is expressive and inviting, with pure notes of ripe black cherries, plums and wild berries layered with hints of violet, sweet spice, cocoa and a touch of vanilla and toast from time in oak. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a smooth, velvety texture that is very Merlot in character. Juicy dark fruit flavours are framed by fine, polished tannins and a refreshing line of acidity that keeps everything lively and balanced. Subtle nuances of mocha, baking spice and a whisper of Mediterranean herbs add complexity on the finish, which is long, supple and beautifully rounded. Enjoyable now for its youthful generosity, it will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 4–6 years, gaining more tertiary complexity and integration.

Production
The grapes for Cotarella Merlot Sodale 2022 come from hillside vineyards in Lazio, planted on a mix of volcanic and clay-limestone soils that lend both richness and freshness to the wine. The region’s warm days and cooling night breezes help the Merlot ripen fully while preserving aromatic lift and natural acidity. Grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, allowing for careful selection of the healthiest bunches. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks to protect the purity of the fruit, with gentle extraction to obtain colour and silky tannins without harshness. The wine then matures for several months in oak (often a mix of barriques and larger barrels), adding subtle spice, structure and depth while maintaining a vibrant, fruit-forward profile.

Food & Serving
Sodale 2022 is a versatile food wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It’s excellent with roast or grilled meats such as lamb, beef or pork, as well as rich pasta dishes with ragù, lasagne, or gnocchi with meat sauces. It also works wonderfully alongside mature cheeses, charcuterie, mushroom-based dishes and hearty vegetable stews. Serve at around 16–18°C; a brief 30-minute decant will help open up the aromas and soften the tannins, especially in its youth, but it’s also very enjoyable poured straight from the bottle with a bit of time in the glass.

Producer
Famiglia Cotarella, often associated with the historic Tenuta Montiano estate, is one of central Italy’s most respected wine dynasties. Founded by brothers Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella—both highly influential oenologists—the family has played a major role in elevating the reputation of Lazio and neighbouring regions on the international wine stage. Their work with Merlot, particularly through wines like Montiano and Sodale, has shown that this grape can achieve real finesse and complexity in the volcanic and limestone soils of central Italy. Today, the new generation of the Cotarella family continues this legacy, combining meticulous vineyard management with modern cellar techniques to produce wines that are both authentically territorial and internationally admired.

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