LLS Portfolio Book

Famiglia Cotarella

Two of Italy’s most acclaimed winemakers, brothers Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella, founded the Falesco winery in 1979. Their philosophy was focused on balancing the uniqueness and tradition of native varietals with the versatility of international grapes. The result was a complete portfolio of wines that consumers and critics alike have recognized as exhibiting extreme value and Best of Class offerings. In late 2016 brothers Renzo and Riccardo made history by officially handing the reigns of the enterprise over to the next generation—daughters Dominga, Marta, and Enrica. With this transition to the next stage in the Cotarella family’s story the family has decided to transition out the brand name of Falesco, and focus instead on the importance of family, thus re-imagining the family brand as “Famiglia Cotarella”. Falesco “Le Poggere” Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC The legend goes that in the 12th century, a wine-loving bishop was traveling through the Italian countryside on his way to see the coronation of the Pope. As he traveled, he would send a scout ahead of the convoy to let him know the wine of the area was good by marking “Est” (“It is”) above an inn’s door. As the scout traveled ahead to Montefiascone, the wine was apparently so good, that the scout marked that location with “Est! Est!! Est!!!” Montefiascone remains an excellent wine today, particularly so when crafted by Riccardo Cotarella, who blends 50% Trebbiano, 30% Malvasia, and 20% Roscetto together for legendary results. “Le Poggere” is the name of the area where the vineyards are located.

“Ferentano” Lazio IGT Ferentano is one of Italy’s truly unique white wines. Produced in the area of Ferento near Viterbo, the Cotarella family’s Ferentano is among the only wines in Italy made entirely from the native white grape, Roscetto. Because the Roscetto variety is notoriously high in polyphenols, the Cotarella’s use the advance technique of cryoextraction to gently draw out the flavorful juice, leaving behind any components that would cause bitterness. A cool-temperature fermentation in a combination of steel an barrique follows. The wine is then rested in American and French barriques (50% new, 50% second passage) for 3 months. The resulting wine is structured, sophisticated, and, above all, fresh.

“Sodale” Merlot IGP Lazio The word “Sodale” comes from the Italian “Sodalizio” meaning a strong or important bond. Such a bond exists between the Cotarella family and Leonardo LoCascio Selections as well as between Sodale and its bigger brother, Montiano. Like the award-winning Montiano, Sodale is made entirely from Merlot grapes grown in the volcanic soils of Montefiascone. Following careful selection, these grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks followed by 9 months aging in 325 Liter oak casks. The result is a beautiful expression of this volcanic terroir blending velvety texture and juicy fruit with fine structure and minerality.

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WINES OF CENTRAL ITALY