Just in the US with Importer Banville & Jones, this fine example of the grand artistry that continues to unfold from Sicilian vineyards may soon appear on a wine list in a restaurant near you.
When it does seize the opportunity to taste this intriguing wine.
Made of 100% Mondeuse, what? Never heard of Mondeuse? You are in for a treat.
Produced by the acclaimed Cambria family, Guglielmo and Enzo Cambria with winemaker Lorenzo Landi at the Cottanera Estatein Castiglione di Sicilia, this wine exudes lucious life.
Mondeuse is a rare peppery red variety mainly grown in the high altitude vineyards of Savoie region of France where it is blended with other grapes. It is also known as Refosco in north-east Italy's Friuli region. While these grapes taste very similar DNA testing has shown them to have no relation. Mondeuse is similar to Syrah and delivers the same rich intense flavors. It thrives in the wonderful climate and soil of Mount Etna.
"Francesco Cambria started Cottanera in the 1960s. The name “Cottanera” comes from an antique building on the northwest side of Etna in Castiglione di Sicilia where there vineyards are located at 700 meters above sea level. The rich mineraly terrroir " Importer
Famed wine critic Gambero Rosso says:
"A ruby-red wine with bright reflexes presenting an immense
bouquet. Both elegant and persistent with a vegetal note
including mature fruit of marasca, cherry and blueberry and
a hint of balsamic and spices. The roundness on the palate,
defined by dense tannins and a note of minerality, makes for
a long pleasurable finish."
It get a great dark cherry fruit with a wide mouth feel, nuts, green moss, cola, sage and thyme. The flavor rolls over the tongue and never stops.
"Concentrated black cherry bouquet. Very full and fruity but not sweet and jammy. A most intriguing wine." Drink 2009-13. Decanter Rating: (15.5 points)
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
from the Netherlands...
Syrah or Shiraz there are over 150 subvariaties.
Mondeuse is not simular to Syrah. Together with Dureza it's the father of Syrah!
Posted by: sander | 08/23/2009 at 05:01
It is not available yet, but should be showing up soon.
Posted by: Peter Conway | 04/07/2009 at 20:58
Itsounds great and well worth trying- but where can you buy it? Wine searcher showed nothing in ny and nj.
Posted by: trevor corso | 04/07/2009 at 09:24