New from Costadila
Costadilà began in 2006 in the hills above Conegliano in the province of Treviso. Ernesto Cattel embarked on a project that went well against the grain. The rolling hills of the area are incredibly beautiful but with the popularity of its much drunk export, Prosecco, agricultural practices changed. Vines are now predominantly planted in the easily mechanisable and sprayable valleys. Spraying is often done by helicopter.
The migration to the productive valleys left many abandoned vineyards in the hills above; vineyards that are full of potential and produced the “Prosecco” of old—wine a farmer would produce a small amount of to have for their home, a true table wine, a wine to eat with. Ernesto began to collect small parcels of vines, realising their potential and wanting to preserve and promote the area’s agricultural tradition. Not only is Ernesto’s cause worthy but it also produces wines of exceptional purity, depth and drinkability. The wines are made by parcel and labelled according to the altitude. Ernesto will sometimes do a short skin maceration depending on the parcel and quality of the vintage and after the first fermentation the wines are bottled with the addition of sweet must from the same vintage to start the second fermentation. They are not disgorged and the resulting deposits give the wines a hazy glow.
Tragically, Ernesto passed away in the summer of 2018. We feel supremely privileged to have been able to spend time with him; not only did he make great wine, and god did he make some of the most compelling wines we have drunk, but he was a great friend and companion. Wine was a big part of the picture obviously, but the picture was bigger for him. He has left a legacy worthy of his dynamism and sense of fun.
Alex and Martina had been working with Ernesto for a couple of years and have now taken over the project and continue the incredible work. We are so lucky they do.
The Wines
330slm 2019 (Glera) £21.50
This is from one of their lower vineyards—330m above sea-level—and is macerated for a shorter time, with light pigeage. It is light, bright and peachy.
450slm 2019 (Glera, Verdiso) £21.50
From a higher vineyard, this sees six days of maceration on the skins before ageing in a mix of stainless steel and old barrels. This year it is ripe and round, with notes of cooked apple and toffee.
O-X 2019 (Pinot Noir, Glera) £23
A blend of direct press Pinot Noir and lightly macerated Glera. This is super zippy and fresh; it is less aromatic than the other two wines, but is full of light fruit and clean, long acidity.