Collio DOC Merlot 2022 Villanova

What type of wine it is

The Merlot from Tenuta Villanova is a dry red wine made exclusively from Merlot grapes. It combines full, fragrant fruit with a warm, savoury palate, and a structure that balances power and finesse.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from vineyards in the hilly area of Collio, in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The soils are of Eocene origin and rest on ponca, the area’s typical marl-sandstone substrate, which promotes a balance between power and finesse. The estate is based in Villanova di Farra, in the province of Gorizia, and this Merlot has been produced since 1964.

How it is made

The Merlot vines, trained to Guyot, are harvested by hand to allow careful bunch selection. The wine ages for 24 months in oak casks and tonneaux, then rests a further nine months in bottle. This long maturation develops an elegant structure and a complex aromatic bouquet.

Tasting notes

In the glass it shows a deep ruby red. The nose is rich and fragrant, with aromas of black cherry, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry, to which spicy notes are added with evolution. The palate is warm, full and savoury, with soft tannins and good length.

What it pairs with

It pairs well with red meats and roasts, oven-braised dishes and well-aged cheeses.

When to serve it

It’s a red for hearty meals, suited to dinners featuring meat and aged cheeses. Serve by opening the bottle in advance to let the fruit and spice notes open up. It has good aging potential: the technical sheet indicates a bottle life of 6 to 10 years, depending on storage conditions.