Famiglia Cotarella Falesco 'Tellus' Syrah IGP 2022

Famiglia Cotarella Falesco 'Tellus' Syrah IGP is a rich and powerful red wine from the Lazio region in central Italy. Made from 100% Syrah, this wine highlights the Mediterranean warmth and rich soils of the region. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of blackberries, ripe plums, and dark cherries, intertwined with notes of black pepper, violets, and a hint of vanilla from oak aging. On the palate, it is full-bodied with velvety tannins and flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and spices, followed by a lingering finish with touches of chocolate and smoky notes. This Syrah is bold yet smooth, delivering complexity and balance.

Wine Details:

Type: Red Wine
Style: Full-bodied, Bold Red
Grape Varietal: Syrah
Taste Like: Like Shiraz, but with more Mediterranean herbs and a touch of licorice and pepper, showcasing a complex and spicy profile.
Alcohol Percentage: 14%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Appellation: Lazio IGP
Region: Lazio
Region Location: Central Italy
Country: Italy
Terroir: The vineyards are located on volcanic soils rich in minerals, which impart structure and a touch of smokiness to the wine. The warm Mediterranean climate allows the Syrah grapes to ripen fully, developing intense flavors while maintaining a balanced acidity.
Aging: Aged for 5-6 months in French oak barrels, which adds complexity and smoothness to the wine, bringing out spicy, toasty, and vanilla notes.
Farming: Sustainable farming practices are employed, respecting the environment and focusing on producing high-quality, expressive grapes.
Serving Temperature:
16-18°C – Serve slightly below room temperature to enhance the wine’s rich fruit, spice, and silky tannins.

Winery:
Famiglia Cotarella is a renowned family-owned winery with a deep history in the Lazio region. Founded by the Cotarella family, this estate has gained recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation, crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of Lazio. The 'Tellus' Syrah is one of their standout wines, showcasing the versatility of Syrah in the warm, mineral-rich soils of central Italy. Falesco is the family's flagship label, known for producing wines with bold flavors and a modern, elegant touch.

Dishes this wine pairs with:

Grilled Meats: Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, beef steaks, or pork ribs.
Roast Game: Ideal with venison or wild boar, enhancing the wine’s dark fruit and spicy notes.
Pasta with Meat Sauce: Perfect with rich pasta dishes like rigatoni with sausage or pappardelle with beef ragu.
BBQ Dishes: Matches well with smoked or barbecued meats, balancing the wine’s bold flavors and silky tannins.
Hearty Stews: Complements slow-cooked beef or lamb stews, bringing out the wine’s depth and spice.
Cheeses this wine pairs with:

Pecorino Romano (Italy): The sharp, salty flavors of Pecorino Romano balance the wine’s bold fruit and spice.
Parmigiano-Reggiano (Italy): The nutty, crystalline texture of Parmigiano-Reggiano enhances the wine’s dark fruit and savory notes.
Taleggio (Italy): The creamy, slightly pungent flavors of Taleggio complement the wine’s rich, spicy profile.
Mimolette (France): The aged, nutty flavor of Mimolette pairs well with the wine’s bold, fruity character.
Pyengana Cheddar (Australia): A sharp, crumbly cheddar that highlights the wine’s fruit and smoky undertones.

Type: Red Wine
Style: Bold, Aromatic
Grape Varietal: Syrah
Tastes Like: Comparable to a Rhône Syrah, with blackberries, violets, and a touch of black pepper.
Alcohol Percentage: 14%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Region: Lazio, Italy
Terroir: Volcanic and clay-rich soils
Aging: 12 months in French oak
Serving Temperature: 16-18°C

Famiglia Cotarella is a prestigious winery in Lazio, known for its innovative winemaking techniques and dedication to showcasing the potential of local varietals and international favourites.

Seafood: Blackened tuna or seafood paella.
Poultry: Roasted duck with berry sauce.
Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms or ratatouille.
Meat: Braised lamb shanks or beef short ribs.

Aged Cheddar: Sharp and bold, complementing the wine's richness.
Manchego: Nutty and firm, balancing the wine's structure.
Gorgonzola Piccante: Creamy and tangy, enhancing the wine's depth.
Pecorino Romano: Salty and savoury, pairing beautifully with the wine.

Braised Lamb Shanks

Ingredients:

• 4 lamb shanks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof pot and sear lamb shanks until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until softened. Stir in tomato paste, red wine, and beef stock. Add rosemary.
4. Return lamb shanks to the pot, cover, and braise in the oven for 2-3 hours until tender.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Tip: Pair with Tellus Syrah for a rich and satisfying meal.