Renzo Cotarella

Agronomist, oenologist and CEO of Marchesi Antinori S.p.a, he was born in Castel Viscardo (Terni) in 1954, and graduated 23 years later in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Perugia. In 1977 he had already assumed the position of Director of the Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Orvieto, a role he held until 1981. 1993 is the year in which the partnership with the Antinori family, in particular with Piero, comes to maturity: Cotarella takes on the role of Production Manager and oenology manager for the company and since 2005 he becomes CEO of Marchesi Antinori Spa. His fame earned him the title of the best winemaker in the world in 2001, underlining the constancy of his commitment and the continuity of success of his career.

A significant part of his professional commitment is deeply intertwined with the village of Ficulle starting from the work on the “Castello della Sala” and its growing importance in the wine roads. The creation of prestigious wines produced in our territory and internationally famous, first of all Cervaro della Sala, is due to his undisputed skills as a winemaker.

In a recent interview he said:

"The work at the Castello della Sala was an extraordinary life experience for me. I make wines in many parts of the world but I have rarely found the quality that is here elsewhere. This essentially depends on two factors: first of all an exceptional territory which, due to its climate and composition and variety of soils, allows for the creation of wines of very high potential, with a marked personality and depth, but at the same time oriented towards sweetness and pleasantness. It is a non-reproducible territory, which gives the wines produced here extraordinary characteristics of intensity, authenticity and refinement. The other factor that leads to the excellence of the productions is a distinctive and typical trait of the locals, in particular the people of Ficullo, characterized by great craftsmanship and an aptitude for attention to detail. A gift that emerges with simplicity and naturalness, but which is an important strength and an essential element of quality productions "

Since 2017 he has been an honorary citizen of Ficulle.