ITALY
Merlot Friuli colli orientali
From Merlot vines in the I Casali vineyard, grown in marl and sandstone soil. The vines are 10-40 years old, and grapes are hand-picked in small cases, before they are de-stemmed and crushed. Maceration takes place in steel for 2-3 weeks, before the wine spends 10-11 months in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and toasted small oaks barrels.
Over its classic, plush texture, this Merlot offers generous raspberry and blackberry flavors, in harmony with slight herb and spice-box notes. Present, but balanced tannins lead into a peppery finish.
