Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The terroir south of Lake Garda and in the Veronese hills is mainly clay soils with good water retention, which give the vines a steady supply of nutrients and help the grapes develop a dense, concentrated flavour. Lake Garda moderates the climate, while warm days and cool nights help preserve acidity.
Grapes
The blend is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Corvina Veronese. The text gives no proportions.
Vinification
Part of the wine is made by appassimento, in which the grapes are partially dried. A large proportion of the grapes is kept for around two months in well-ventilated rooms after harvest. As they lose moisture, their sugars, acids and aromas concentrate, giving a fuller flavour, richer texture, warmth and depth. The rest of the crop is harvested overripe, which adds ripe fruit character and softness. Fermentation is long, to extract as much colour, aroma and structure as possible.
Ageing
The wine ages for up to 18–24 months in oak barriques and tonneaux. This softens the tannins, adds spicy and slightly sweet notes, and allows gentle micro-oxygenation.
Tasting profile
Rich, warm and expressive, with deep fruit and spice notes and a velvety texture. Ageing leaves it balanced and full-bodied.
Serving and pairing
Suited to hearty meat dishes.
Vintage notes
The text names the 2021 vintage but gives no information on its weather.
Label / history
According to legend, the Ottella name dates to the XVI century, as suggested by a coat of arms that still survives in the estate courtyard. An 1900 extract from G. B. Perez's La provincia di Verona ed I suoi vini (The Province of Verona and Its Wines) states that in the XVI century the winery was known as the only producer from Verona.
Ottella is in the Lugano region, in Peschiera del Garda on the southern shore of Lake Garda. It is owned by the brothers Ludovico and Francesco Montresor together with their father, Michele, who combine respect for local winemaking traditions with modern technology. The estate's vineyards, planted mainly with Trebbiano, grow in clay-limestone soils near the lakeshore, where the mild climate helps the grapes ripen well.
