Montiano (2009)

About this wine

The 2009 Montiano from Falesco is a 100% Merlot that showcases the varietal's elegance and depth. On the nose, it offers focused aromas of black cherry, espresso bean, black olive, and soft suede. The palate is richly textured and soft, with just enough acidity to energize the mouthfeel. This wine is considered one of Italy's iconic expressions of Merlot, crafted by the renowned Cotarella family.

About the grape

Merlot, originally from Bordeaux, France, has become the most widely planted red grape in Lazio, Italy, thriving in the region's volcanic soils and sunny climate. Falesco, a winery established in 1979, embraced this trend by planting top-quality Merlot clones to produce their renowned wine, Montiano. This approach highlights a shift in Lazio's winemaking, blending international grape varieties with local traditions to create distinctive wines.

Quick facts

• 🍇 Montiano is crafted exclusively from Merlot grapes, a variety traditionally associated with Bordeaux, France.
• 🏰 The Falesco winery, producer of Montiano, was founded in 1979 by the Cotarella brothers, renowned Italian winemakers.
• 🏆 The 2009 vintage of Montiano received a 90/100 rating from Wine Enthusiast, highlighting its rich texture and focused aromas.
• 🪵 Montiano is aged for 12 months in new French oak barriques, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
• 🌄 The vineyards for Montiano are located in Lazio, Italy, a region more commonly known for white wines, making this red wine particularly unique.

Palate profile

Producer

Falesco, established in 1979 by brothers Renzo and Riccardo Cotarella in Montefiascone, Italy, aimed to rejuvenate ancient vineyards and traditional winemaking techniques. The winery spans 670 acres, with 370 acres dedicated to vineyards, and produces nearly 3 million bottles annually. In 2017, the next generation—Dominga, Marta, and Enrica Cotarella—assumed leadership, rebranding the estate as "Famiglia Cotarella" to emphasize its familial heritage.