About Cottanera
Cottanera is a Sicilian estate situated on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, producing wines under the Etna DOC appellation. The winery works with both indigenous and international grape varieties grown in the volcanic soils characteristic of the Etna zone. Its range includes whites, rosés, and reds reflecting the distinctive terroir of one of Italy's most prominent volcanic wine regions.
Prices are for take away and shipping. The wine bar serves from its own list.
The winery
About Cottanera
History
Cottanera is a family estate on the northern slope of Mount Etna, at Castiglione di Sicilia. Its story begins in 1962, when Francesco Cambria left his career in Messina and bought about 100 hectares of vines and hazelnut groves near Randazzo, the town where he was born. After Etna received its DOC in 1968 he replanted the hazelnut groves with vines.
His sons Guglielmo and Enzo built a winery and began bottling under the Cottanera name in the 1990s. They first planted international grape varieties alongside local ones, then turned fully to the native grapes of Etna. Guglielmo Cambria has since died, and his children Mariangela, Francesco and Emanuele now run the estate with their uncle Enzo.
The land and the vineyards
The property covers 100 hectares, of which 65 are planted with vines. They stand at about 700 metres of altitude on volcanic lava soil. Over 40 hectares are given over to wines of the Etna DOC, from Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante.
The wines
The first Etna Rosso DOC came out in 2005 and the first Etna Bianco DOC in 2009, according to the importer. The range now includes Etna Bianco, Etna Rosso and a rosato, several single contrada reds such as Diciassettesalme and Zottorinoto, and one Metodo Classico sparkling wine. Other labels include Barbazzale, Fatagione and Nume.
Today
Guglielmo Cambria described the philosophy of the house as respect for the land, which he saw as the beginning of everything. The family continues to make the wines at Castiglione di Sicilia, where every step from harvest to bottling takes place.
- Founded
- 1962
- Area
- 100 hectares
- Vineyards (hectares)
- 65
- Main grapes
- Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Carricante
- Owners
- Cambria family