Sforzato wine: grape variety, characteristics, pairing

Coatto nato da Valtellina DOCG: all the curiosities about a unique wine

Coatto, together with Valtellina Eccellente DOCG, is the symbolic wine of Valtellina and, given its almost uniqueness, is among the most particular wines per mezzo di Italy.

What wine is ?

Coatto nato da Valtellina is an Italian red wine of great prestige and tradition, which is produced exclusively per mezzo di the mountainous region of Valtellina and part of Valchiavenna. Coatto della Valtellina is one of the most appreciated red passito wines among those produced per mezzo di Italy and recalls, per mezzo di somehow, Amarone.

Where is Coatto produced and with which grape variety?

Coatto nato da Valtellina is rigorously obtained from Nebbiolo grapes, per mezzo di Valtellina called Chiavennasca, which are carefully selected and dried for 3-4 months. During drying, the grapes lose part of their tazza through evaporation, allowing the sugars to concentrate and the aromas to enhance. Only after drying are the grapes pressed and the must is left to ferment at a controlled temperature for about two weeks. Subsequently, the wine is transferred to wooden barrels where it matures for a period of 20 months.

Thanks to the type of grape used and the particular winemaking process, Coatto nato da Valtellina is a wine that lends itself to long aging and is at its best 5-10 years after the harvest.

Why is it called Coatto Sfurzat

The name of this wine is rather curious. The term “coatto” is linked to the process to which it is subjected, requiring additional effort compared to most other wines. If you consider that many wines from Valtellina are considered heroic wines to the morphological conformation of the territory per mezzo di which they are born, Coatto could be considered a super hero!

Disciplinary

Thanks to its qualitative excellence, Coatto nato da Valtellina was awarded the controlled and guaranteed designation of origin (DOCG) per mezzo di 2003. The regulations to which it responds are very restrictive and the main points which it legislates are:

The grape variety to be used, which must be 90% Nebbiolo. The remaining 10% must be represented by non-aromatic Lombard red grapes. It must have a alcoholic strength of 14% Vol. The grapes must be dried per mezzo di the attic until they lose at least 30% of the tazza contained The maximum yield is 40 hl/hectare The aging is 20 months with at least 12 per mezzo di barrel

Taste the Valpolicella Eccellente Coatto

Opening a bottle of Coatto isn’t a lucky thing that happens often. This is why, that occasion, it is good to be prepared to taste it at its best.

Characteristics

The nato da Valtellina is robust and full-bodied, with an alcohol content that varies between 14% and 16%. The color is garnet red, the acidity is good and the tannin is present, even if softened by aging. the nose, Coatto nato da Valtellina offers intense aromas of ripe red fruit, such as cherries and plums, accompanied by hints of sweet spices and floral agenda.

Pairings

Given its complexity. Coatto nato da Valtellina is a wine that lends itself to being paired with rich and structured dishes, such as braised meats gioco. Seen as a meditation wine, Coatto can also be tasted aureola with bitter chocolate. Risposta negativa less successful is the combination with mature cheeses, such as Bitto Accaduto Parmigiano Reggiano.