Famiglia Cotarella Wine, Art & Food in Orvieto, Italy

The ancient town of Orvieto sits majestically above the Umbrian valley floor atop volcanic stone. Castle-like walls overlook rows of verdant vineyards. This enchanting, perfectly preserved, and virtually traffic-free village has some of the most fascinating sights, charming hotels, Michelin award-winning trattorias and some of Italy’s best wine.

STAY

The historic boutique hotel Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini is located in the heart of Orvieto. Once owned by the Papal Piccolomini family, Italian designed buildings face Palazzo Ranieri with its medieval tower, an integral part of the hotel structure.

The architectural style of the two buildings intertwines history, art, and elegance. There are different types of guest room accommodations that include a double and twin rooms, a Studio, Junior Suites, and Deluxe Suites.

Guests receive a lavish breakfast buffet every morning accompanied with made to order coffee, espresso and cappuccino beverages. Italian breads, fresh fruit, pastries and other delights await in the basement of the hotel.

DINE AT TRATTORIA LA PALOMBA

One of the locals beloved restaurants is the Michelin recognized Trattoria La Palomba. Within a short walk along cobblestone streets to the Cinti family’s restaurant, it’s been making fresh pasta, breads and other Italian culinary favorites since 1965.

This charming Italian trattoria is comfortable and homey inside. The menu features Umbrian specialities that include delicious house-made pasta topped with wild boar ragu.

Locals who visit the trattoria include Enrica Cotarella, one of the sisters running Famiglia Cotarella winery. Be sure to order a bottle or glass of her white Ferentano 2021 Cotarella wine to pair with many dishes on the menu.

This expressive white wine from Central Italy is made from Roscetto grapes in oak barrels providing pleasing vanilla, oak, and buttery notes. It’s an ideal wine with proteins, antipasti and pastas. Roscetto is a type of grape that is one of the oldest and rarest local white grape varieties. It derives from the Greco grape family.

Traveling to this region in November through February during truffle season, diners will enjoy the option to have fresh truffles shaved over their pasta and other savory dishes.

Be sure to finish with a plate of crunchy pistachio biscotti. Take any leftover on the plate to enjoy with a coffee or cappuccino the following day.

WINE

The Famiglia Cotarella is wine royalty in this region of Italy. They have a hospitality school and winemaking facility near the village of Orvieto. Currently their success is the close relationship between third generation sisters – Dominga, Marta and Enrica Cotarella.

This young brand is historic with decades of experience and tradition in winemaking. Together the family work for the best of production, starting from Falesco Winery. Founded in 1979 in Montefiascone by brothers Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella, the grape varietals grow on land at the border of Lazio and Umbria regions. Riccardo Cotarella, president and winemaker of Falesco Winery, is currently President and General Manager of the Riccardo Cotarella Winemaking Consultancy. He is also the Professor of Viticulture and Enology at the University of Viterbo, and consultant for over 80 wineries in Italy and worldwide.

Now with the company takeover by Dominga, Marta and Enrica, the new brand is committed to researching even more elegant and modern wines. Guest arriving to Cotarella, pass through Le Macioche, estate in the heart of Brunello di Montalcino, to experience a variety of wine tasting opportunities.

Famiglia Cotarella Five Senses Experience: Tour, Lunch & Tasting

Discover the excellence of Famiglia Cotarella with a walk through the farm overlooking vineyards, before stepping into the winery to learn about the winemaking process. Lunch is held in the special dedicated room in the cave among thousands of bottles of wine. It’s a true sensory journey filled with scent, flavor and tradition. Taste some of the Cotarella Family cru wines – Metodo Classico Brut Millesimato, Ferentano, Montiano and Passirò, paired with a menu of healthy family recipes made with local products related to seasonality and availability in our garden.

In the Montecchio region the family grow Merlot, Cabernet, Sangiovese, Verdicchio, and Vermentino. Due to climate change, the winemakers are experimenting and planting other grape varieties to add to the collection.

EXPLORE ORVIETO

Perched on a rock cliff in Umbria, Italy, the stunning Duomo di Orvieto dates back to 1290. The mosaic facade, gold decor and marble Pietà sculpture behind the Duomo are fascinating to see up close. Walk inside to see the cathedral’s Chapel of San Brizio, featuring paintings by Luca Signorelli. 

He was offered glasses of wine to enjoy while painting the brilliantly lit frescoes of the Day of Judgment and Life After Death. Look at the walls and up to the ceiling.

The scenes reflect the turbulent political and religious atmosphere of Italy in the late 1400s. Signorelli’s has the ability to tell stories through human actions and gestures, rather than symbols. He inspired his younger contemporary, Michelangelo, who meticulously studied Signorelli’s work.

Since driving in the upper old town is not recommended, take a funicular from Piazza Cahen to Piazza Duomo and explore the historic area. Be sure to visit the woodworking Bottega Michelangeli shop. You will see their beautiful artisan woodwork all over Orvieto.

Orvieto is an fascinating stop between Rome and Florence to stretch your legs and step back in time. Learn about its history, wine and culinary offerings while strolling along narrow streets filled with colorful shops.