This post is part of the Chasing The White Lotus series: Your Insider`s Guide to Perfect Sicilian Holidays. You can check the other posts of this series here! (INSERIR LINK PARA OUTROS POSTS DA SERIE)
Introduction:
Let`s face it: We are all obsessed with HBO`S series The White Lotus, not only because it is a dark comedy satire full of witty dialogue, unexpected plot twists, and intelligent humor, but also because it is set in beautiful and luxurious locations – a high-end resort in Hawaii, a 5-star hotel in Sicily – which provides a stunning backdrop for the drama that unfolds.
After watching the show`s second season, it`s easy to see why Sicily is now considered THE DESTINATION for this summer holidays. But, if you`re anything like me – and great wines are an intrinsic part of a great holiday – then I have an extra reason for you to visit Sicily: Their wineries!
As an “occupational hazard” of owning a boutique travel agency, Experience Wanderlust, I had to try some of those wineries so I could give you, my dear clients, the tea – I mean, the wine!
So, with no further ado, here’s everything you need to know about this beautiful destination for wine lovers:
Table of Contents:
- An Introduction to Sicilian Wines
- About the Cottanera Winery
- On your table – Drinking and eating at Cotannera
- Â What makes this place special
- How to get there
An introduction to Sicilian Wines:
If you’re dreaming of a relaxing vacation with plenty of opportunities for wine tasting, Sicily may just be the perfect destination for you. This beautiful island off the coast of Italy is renowned for its wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, and there are plenty of wineries and vineyards to explore. If after reading this article, you feel like taking a wine trip to Sicily, Experience Wanderlust has all the tools to put together your perfect Italian holiday! From hotels to private tastings, we got you covered!
One of the best regions for wine tasting in Sicily is the area around Mount Etna. This active volcano is surrounded by fertile soil and steep hillsides, which create ideal conditions for growing grapes.
A great way to experience the best of the region’s wines is to take a wine tour. Many of the local wineries offer guided tours of their facilities, complete with tastings and a chance to learn about the winemaking process. Some of the most popular wineries to visit include the Benanti Winery, which produces some of the region’s most highly-rated wines, the Gambino Winery, which offers stunning views of Mount Etna from its hillside location, the Planeta Sciaranuova Winery which is the one that appears on the show, and the Cottanera Winery, the one that I want to share with you today.
I`ve been holidaying in Sicily almost every summer, and after many years of exploring the island, I think it could be fair to say that I can consider myself quite an expert on Sicilian travel. From North to South, this magical island offers something for everyone: beautiful beaches, rich history, ancient archeological sites that remain impressively well-conservated, a majestic active volcano that you can visit (to the main craters, you can read more about it in this post), delicious food and, of course, luscious wines. So let`s get started with this tour!
About the Cottanera Winery:
Cottanera Winery is a family-owned winery located on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. The winery was founded in 1963 by Francesco Cambria, who was passionate about winemaking and the unique terroir of the Mount Etna region. Today, the winery is run by Francesco’s sons, Guglielmo and Enzo, who continue to produce high-quality wines using traditional winemaking techniques.
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The winery is known for its production of both red and white wines, with a focus on indigenous grape varietals such as Nerello Mascalese, Carricante, and Catarratto. The winery has a range of vineyards spread across the Mount Etna region, each with its own unique terroir and microclimate that contribute to the distinct flavors and aromas of the wines.
Wine tours and tastings
Visitors to Cottanera Winery can choose from almost ten different options of guided tours of the vineyards and winery, varying from 1:30h to 4 hours long, where you can learn about the history of the winery and the winemaking process. The tours include a visit to the wine cellar, where guests can see the oak barrels used for aging the wines, as well as a wine tasting of some of the winery’s best wines, sometimes paired with mouth-watering local Sicilian food. The winery also has a restaurant that serves traditional Sicilian cuisine and can also be booked for private events and celebrations.
If you`re not sure which one would be the perfect activity for you, Experience Wanderlust can help you, so get in touch!
We tried the “Appertivo in Cantina”, which included a guided visit to the property and a taste of four delicious wines with an aperitivo (small bites). The wines we tried were the Etna Bianco Doc, Etna Rosato Doc, the “cru” Etna Rosso Doc from District “Diciassettesalme” and the Ardenza Doc Sicilia Rosso, produced with grapes from Montedeuse, cultivated in their farm at the Etna mountain’s slopes.
It was paired with arancini, olives, and dried tomatoes from their own vegetable garden, local cheese and cold meat, bruschetta, small omelets, several seasonal vegetables, bread cooked in the wood oven, and oil produced by olives from Nocellara Etnea, cultivated in the Cottanera Winery farms for decades.
I had already tried a couple of Cottanera wines, but I had never been to their winery, so I was curious to find out about it. The visit did not disappoint, and neither did the other wines I tried. If I`m honest, I`m not the biggest fan of rosé wines, I usually prefer whites for warm days, but the Cottanera Etna Rosato Doc was crisp and rich, with floral notes that balance well with the freshness of aromatic herbs while maintaining the typical characteristics of volcanic soil.
Perfect for a summer night, in Italy or anywhere else!
I also bought some other bottles to bring home, like the flavorsome red L`Ardenza, the wine that first picked my interest in Cottanera. I love a red with a good body, rich in tannins, and with a long, sapid finish in the mouth. This one has blueberry and cherry notes, making it a great option all year long!
As you can see, in Noto, you’ll find plenty of delicious local specialties that you can wash down with some local wine, such as the Nero d’Avola, a full-bodied red that’s considered one of Sicily’s finest.
What makes this place special:
Cottanera wines have a tradition of not only employing whole Sicilian families but in particular women that, according to Etna’s tradition, have the right gentleness in taking care of the vineyards. This knowledge is handed down from generation to generation, highlighting the importance of tradition and family knowledge in the world of vineyard management and the role that local culture and expertise can play in producing high-quality wine.
Cottaner wines have received numerous awards and accolades for their high-quality wines. The winery’s Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco wines made from Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Chardonnay grapes are grown on the volcanic soil of Mount Etna and have been recognized by various wine publications and organizations. For instance, the winery’s Etna Bianco “Barbazzale” 2017 was named one of Wine & Spirits magazine’s “Top 100 Wines of 2019,” while its Etna Rosso “Barbazzale” 2016 was awarded the prestigious “Tre Bicchieri” (Three Glasses) award from Gambero Rosso in both 2019 and 2020.
How to get there:
Nestled at the base of the Etna volcano, less than an hour’s drive from Catania, lies the exquisite Cottanera Winery. Situated in the charming town of Castiglione di Sicilia, within the municipality of Catania, this idyllic location also served as the backdrop for season two of The White Lotus.
For those concerned about indulging in the local wines and navigating the roads, fret not. Experience Wanderlust offers a convenient solution – a private transfer with a dedicated chauffeur. With this option, you can relish the opportunity to sample an array of wines without the worry of driving. To ensure a seamless experience, it’s advisable to secure your booking in advance, particularly for the upcoming summer season, as Sicily’s popularity continues to soar.
Embrace the freedom to savor every sip, knowing that your transportation needs are expertly taken care of by Experience Wanderlust!
Insider`s tip:
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a relaxing vacation with plenty of good food and drink, Sicily is the perfect destination. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and world-class wines, it’s easy to see why this island has been captivating visitors for centuries.
And if you need some help organizing your Sicilian trip, take advantage of our tailor-made travel design services, our team of experts will create a unique travel itinerary that will fulfill all your travel dreams and wishes!
So get in touch today so we can help you plan your perfect Sicilian wine holiday!
