Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia
Quality Level in EU/Italian Wine Law: DOCG Rosso and Superiore Rosso, Nizza Subsone is a Separate DOCG
Established: 2008; Maximum elevation of 650 meters and minimum alcohol levels of 12, 12.5 and 13% (Rosso, Rosso Cru, Superiore); Tinella dn Colli Astiani are additional Subzones
Primary Grape Varietals: Varietal Barbera 90% Minimum
Pairs with: Strong cheese such as Pecorino, Barbecue Ribs, Grilled or Roasted Chicken, Hamburgers, Lamb
Characteristics: The wines are elegantly perfumed and well structured wines. Normally aged for only a few months with 10 months for a superiore version, these wines are usually drunk young. The wines are round with definitive blackberry fruit flavors and.....
Serve: Room Temperature
Merlot is found all over Italy - mostly in the Northern and Central regions and the vineyards are planted with specific clones that are very successful in a range of Italian climates. For example, recent clone research has pinpointed particular clones that are particularly aligned with Tuscany and the region is producing excellent quality Merlot that is used in Sangiovese blends and super Tuscan wines.
Tuscan soils are also very conducive to Merlot and it is typically grafted on tailored American root stock that helps control disease, pests, drought and vigor.
Merlot is early budding, susceptible to early spring frosts, and ripens a few weeks before Cabernet Sauvignon. The good news is that Merlot can usually be harvested before autumn rains and arrives ripe, balanced and ready to contribute its unique character to the Italian blends. The grape is susceptible to several vineyard issues such as coulure, drought and botrytis which makes quality a challenge in some Tuscan areas and can reduce overall yield if not managed well.
Fortunately, Merlot can ripen in cooler years and it is a really popular grape around the world. After the “French Paradox” show on 60 minutes, Merlot exploded in popularity and is now cultivated all over the world and it is finding a solid foundation in Tuscany.
This is in part due to the higher sugar levels it can achieve and the higher potential alcohol levels of the final wine and the fact that Merlot can provide a wide range of wine styles and contribute to a wide range of blends. Merlot can be over-cropped – and when it is there is a significant degradation in quality. The plant must be managed well in the vineyard to balance vigor with grape quality.
Merlot likes cooler soils that can retain humidity in the summer as dry soils can limit adequate vigor for full grape development. Merlot is typically found in clay soils and better versions come from soils with high iron content. Clay limestone and gravel over limestone soils also provide an excellent foundation for merlot. These soil types are common in Tuscany and they help produce a grape with significant vigor and with large berries in medium sized clusters. The grape comes with high sugar content and typically has high aromatics, high pigmentation, medium acidity and tannin.
Merlot conventionally makes lush, plummy, full bodied wines and can be used in blending – especially with Cabernet Sauvignon to round out the more austere Cab or the higher acidity of Sangiovese. Merlot wine is noticeably lower in tannin and acid than other red varietals, making it fuller and luscious on the palate. The best wines are age-able but are also known to be approachable early in their life. Flavors/aromas are across a wide spectrum and can include black and red fruits, figs, prunes, spice, tobacco, toasted nuts, minty, leafy. Gamey and coffee notes. The flavor profile is a direct result of the climate and cropping levels (e.g., vineyard management) and Merlot is produced in these many styles.
Blending is the key and merlot is added in relatively low amounts with 85 and higher percentages of Sangiovese in some areas. The wines are trending toward maintaining a base of Sangiovese qualities with fuller body, rounder tannins, more robust and intense fruit flavors. Look for a wine from the hills around San Gimignano within the DOC rules of the areas and you will find a wine of true Italian style with a new world influence.
Quality Level in EU/Italian Wine Law: DOCG Rosso and Superiore Rosso, Nizza Subsone is a Separate DOCG
Established: 2008; Maximum elevation of 650 meters and minimum alcohol levels of 12, 12.5 and 13% (Rosso, Rosso Cru, Superiore); Tinella dn Colli Astiani are additional Subzones
Primary Grape Varietals: Varietal Barbera 90% Minimum
Pairs with: Strong cheese such as Pecorino, Barbecue Ribs, Grilled or Roasted Chicken, Hamburgers, Lamb
Characteristics: The wines are elegantly perfumed and well structured wines. Normally aged for only a few months with 10 months for a superiore version, these wines are usually drunk young. The wines are round with definitive blackberry fruit flavors and.....
Serve: Room Temperature
Merlot is found all over Italy - mostly in the Northern and Central regions and the vineyards are planted with specific clones that are very successful in a range of Italian climates. For example, recent clone research has pinpointed particular clones that are particularly aligned with Tuscany and the region is producing excellent quality Merlot that is used in Sangiovese blends and super Tuscan wines.
Tuscan soils are also very conducive to Merlot and it is typically grafted on tailored American root stock that helps control disease, pests, drought and vigor.
Merlot is early budding, susceptible to early spring frosts, and ripens a few weeks before Cabernet Sauvignon. The good news is that Merlot can usually be harvested before autumn rains and arrives ripe, balanced and ready to contribute its unique character to the Italian blends. The grape is susceptible to several vineyard issues such as coulure, drought and botrytis which makes quality a challenge in some Tuscan areas and can reduce overall yield if not managed well.
Fortunately, Merlot can ripen in cooler years and it is a really popular grape around the world. After the “French Paradox” show on 60 minutes, Merlot exploded in popularity and is now cultivated all over the world and it is finding a solid foundation in Tuscany.
This is in part due to the higher sugar levels it can achieve and the higher potential alcohol levels of the final wine and the fact that Merlot can provide a wide range of wine styles and contribute to a wide range of blends. Merlot can be over-cropped – and when it is there is a significant degradation in quality. The plant must be managed well in the vineyard to balance vigor with grape quality.
Merlot likes cooler soils that can retain humidity in the summer as dry soils can limit adequate vigor for full grape development. Merlot is typically found in clay soils and better versions come from soils with high iron content. Clay limestone and gravel over limestone soils also provide an excellent foundation for merlot. These soil types are common in Tuscany and they help produce a grape with significant vigor and with large berries in medium sized clusters. The grape comes with high sugar content and typically has high aromatics, high pigmentation, medium acidity and tannin.
Merlot conventionally makes lush, plummy, full bodied wines and can be used in blending – especially with Cabernet Sauvignon to round out the more austere Cab or the higher acidity of Sangiovese. Merlot wine is noticeably lower in tannin and acid than other red varietals, making it fuller and luscious on the palate. The best wines are age-able but are also known to be approachable early in their life. Flavors/aromas are across a wide spectrum and can include black and red fruits, figs, prunes, spice, tobacco, toasted nuts, minty, leafy. Gamey and coffee notes. The flavor profile is a direct result of the climate and cropping levels (e.g., vineyard management) and Merlot is produced in these many styles.
Blending is the key and merlot is added in relatively low amounts with 85 and higher percentages of Sangiovese in some areas. The wines are trending toward maintaining a base of Sangiovese qualities with fuller body, rounder tannins, more robust and intense fruit flavors. Look for a wine from the hills around San Gimignano within the DOC rules of the areas and you will find a wine of true Italian style with a new world influence.
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