MERLOT DOC Friuli Colli Orientali 2009 MAGNUM

Vinification: The destemmed and crushed fruit is transferred to maceration vats for alcoholic fermentation. During fermentation, cap punchdowns, rack and returns and pump-overs are alternated for 10-12 days. At devatting, the wine is racked into stainless steel tanks and the pomace is pressed. Malolactic fermentation is completed in steel, to be followed by racking into large 25-hectolitre oak barrels and once-used barriques. Twelve months later, the wine is blended. It goes into bottle the following month.

Tasting notes: Exuberant aromas of briary fruit and wild berries introduce a palate of balanced tannicity, good structure and lingering persistence. All of our Merlot vineyards are very old, which means that we obtain a wine that can either be enjoyed at once or laid down to evolve further in the cellar.

Pairings: At its best with fat-rich cold meats, cheese and hearty red meat dishes.