Merlot
Originally from the French area of Bordeaux from which the most prestigious wines based on this blend still come today, Merlot is one of the most popular black grape varieties internationally thanks to its great drinkability and high adaptability. Generally the Merlot grapes are processed and vinified with the aim of creating precious blends based on Cabernet Sauvignon where the role of Merlot consists in adding finesse and expressiveness of the fruit by expanding and emphasizing the organoleptic potential of Cabernet Sauvignon. Compared to the origin, Merlot is born in the Bordeaux area from a spontaneous cross between Cabernet Franc and Magdalene Noir de Charentes. If the complementary grape of Cabernet Sauvignon remains in the Medoc region, in the Saint-Emilion area it is the most cultivated and often proposed grape variety, especially in the Pomerol area, a true paradise of this extraordinary grape. Unlike the coastal part where the pebble suitable for the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, in this area the gravelly soils of alluvial matrix are sedimented with sands rich in ferrous minerals and clays, creating a perfect mix for the needs of the vine. The most famous Merlots in the world are born in this AOC, which stand out for the finesse of the aromas of small dark berries, for the extraordinary harmony and complexity, as well as for a refined evolution towards balsamic and mentholated notes. The Pomerol territory was not classified in 1855, but over the centuries a scale of values was created and today the most highly rated labels ever come from: Château Petrus, Château La Fleur, Château L'Eglise Clinet, Château Le Pin, Château La Violette, Château Trotanoy, Château Housanna, Château L'Evangile, Château Clinet, Vieux Château Certan. In addition to this French peculiarity, Merlot remains one of the most widespread varieties in the world, present in almost all European countries, as well as in the countries of the New World. Thus, especially in consideration of its peculiar characteristics, the vinification of Merlot in purity appears increasingly widespread in recent years, offering wines with great personality. In Italy the spread of this grape involves regions such as Friuli Venezia Giulia, South Tyrol, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Sicily. Precisely in the case of Tuscany, the extreme compatibility of coastal climatic conditions with those present in the Bordeaux area has allowed in recent decades the creation of very successful and qualitatively competitive blends despite the maintenance of recognizable specificities. In addition to being subject to very different harvest times, designed to obtain fresher and less alcoholic or more robust wines in consideration of the ripeness of the fruit, Merlot usually comes in two different versions depending on the climatic conditions affecting the grapes. The most common is the one in which the Merlot grapes are grown in environments where a warm or moderate climate prevails, giving life to a wine with characteristic hints of wild berries mainly black berries such as blueberries, black currants, plums, cherries, often followed also from fresh herbaceous notes of undergrowth; the result is a wine characterized by a soft and velvety body in perfect balance with the body of the tannins and the high alcohol content. The other interpretation is more elegant and slender and is pursued with colder climatic conditions that allow Merlot, thanks to the different maturation, to stand out for greater tannins and acidity. In both cases, Merlot almost always undergoes an aging process in oak barrels, gaining spicy and fragrant notes of vanilla and coffee. Versatile and disruptive wine, Merlot is the red wine loved for its persuasive elegance, soft and rich fruit, smooth profile and balanced, long and persistent sip, without edges or harshness. An enveloping and round wine that over time has conquered the palates of connoisseurs from all over the world. In the Italian case, the appearance of Merlot in response to the damage caused by phylloxera depended on the need to plant new vineyards by selecting better known and more easily marketable varieties. The vine quickly settled in the Triveneto area, in areas that could recall the pebbly and gravelly soils of Bordeaux, such as the alluvial areas of the Greve del Friuli or the Piave area. The vine then spread throughout the peninsula, finding especially in the area of the Tuscan coast, Bolgheri and its hinterland, the pedoclimatic conditions to express itself with high quality levels, exhibiting a decidedly Mediterranean, mature, rich and intense profile. It is grown with excellent results also in Alto Adige, in particular in the Cortaccia area, the sunniest and hottest of the region, in Veneto in the area of the Berici and Breganze hills and in Umbria. I Merlot is history, discovery, adaptation: many are the labels that exalt it at the highest levels such as Masseto Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, Messorio Le Macchiole, Apparita Castello di Ama, Redigaffi Tua Rita, Rennero Gualdo del Re.
Buy Merlot online
If Merlot is a wine appreciated by many amateurs and easily available in wine shops, buying Merlot online is often the best way to reveal its full potential thanks to the immediate comparison of labels and origins. By purchasing Merlot online you can take a journey into the universe of this grape, discovering for example the blends from the coastal areas of Bordeaux and trying stimulating comparisons with Bolgheri wines. Before purchasing, you can devote every attention to discovering its fruity scents and let yourself be surprised by their combination by identifying the delicate herbaceous notes that accompany them. For an even more complete tasting experience, you can decide to buy two pure Merlots online which, if distinguished by harvesting period and winemaking techniques, will allow you to discover if your taste appreciates the freshness and momentum or body of the wine more ripe and expertly refined fruit. In short, buying Merlot online means getting to know wine from the right direction.
What are the characteristics of the Merlot grape?
The main characteristics of the Merlot grape include high vigor and high productivity, both conditions which, when the climatic configurations allow it, make it very adaptable and preferable for new plants.
What is the taste of a Merlot wine?
A wine composed of a high percentage of Merlot or made with pure Merlot has hints of red fruits and ripe plums with interesting herbaceous and spicy hints that manage to complete the organoleptic profile giving a fuller and more structured taste.
Which Italian Merlot is a must try?
There are many Italian Merlots that deserve consideration but some pure Merlot wines such as Masseto have gained worldwide fame to the point of rightfully entering the Olympus of labels to try at least once in a lifetime.
Ribera del Duero DO El Anejón 2020 Pago de Carraovejas
El Anejón comes from the sloping western terraces of the Carraovejas Valley. It is produced with the three varieties planted on the estate: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
After careful monitoring during the ripening cycle and an initial selection in the vineyard, the grapes are harvested by hand in small boxes. The bunches pass through a cold room and a selection table where meticulous control is carried out. Fermentation takes place in small French oak vats to enhance the peculiarit...
View product pageCampania IGT Merlot Pàtrimo 2017 Feudi di San Gregorio
Pàtrimo is a Merlot from Campania born in a vineyard located in the heart of the DOC Irpinia.
It is produced exclusively with Merlot grapes, carefully picked and selected by hand. Fermentation takes place, with maceration, in steel tanks for about 3 weeks. Subsequently the wine ages for a minimum of 18 months in medium toasted French oak barriques, and finally for another 10 months in the bottle, before being placed on the market.
It is characterized by a dark ruby red colour. The nose opens with ...
View product pagePomerol AOC 2021 Château Clinet
Château Clinet is one of the most prestigious wines of the Pomerol AOC denomination, known for its extraordinary expression of Merlot. The estate uses careful viticultural practices to enhance the unique characteristics of its terroir.
The winemaking involves a careful use of malolactic fermentation in barrique, perfectly balancing the fruity expression with subtle woody notes. This process gives the wine a velvety texture and aromatic complexity.
On the nose, Château Clinet offers intense aromas ...
View product pageToscana IGT Rosso Palafreno 2020 Querciabella
Querciabella is an innovative Chianti winery, which has been cultivating its vines in organic farming since 1988. Currently it manages a vineyard park of over 70 hectares, with plots located in the territories of Greve, Radda and Gaiole, surrounded by olive groves and oak woods.
Produced for the first time in 2000, Palafreno is produced from pure Merlot grapes from the vineyards of Ruffoli, Greve in Chianti, Cipresso and Marrone, grown on soils rich in marl. After the classic red vinification wit...
View product pageToscana IGT Rosso L'Apparita 2020 Castello di Ama
The Apparita of Castello di Ama was born in the Bellavista vineyard located on the hills between Gaiole and Radda in Chianti, in the heart of the Chianti Classico area.
It is produced exclusively with Merlot grapes, harvested in mid-September. After a soft pressing, the grapes ferment in stainless steel tanks in contact with the skins for 4 weeks. Subsequently the wine ages in barriques for about 18 months, before being bottled.
It is a wine characterized by a deep red color, with bright reflectio...
View product pageSaint-Émilion AOC 1er Grand Cru Classé B 2021 Clos Fourtet
Clos Fourtet, a prestigious 1er Grand Cru Classé B from Saint-Émilion, is known for its elegant expression of Merlot, accompanied by touches of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the richness of the Saint-Émilion terroir.
Winemaking focuses on delicate extraction and aging in French oak barriques, perfectly balancing fruity richness with notes of spice and wood, for a complex and harmonious profile.
On the nose, the wine opens with intense aromas of ripe red fruits, floral notes and...
View product pagePomerol AOC 2021 Chateau Le Gay
The Pomerol of Château Le Gay was born in Bordeaux and precisely in Libournais, from the work of Catherine Peré-Vergé, supported by the famous oenologist Michel Rolland.
It is obtained from Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes, which are cold pre-fermented (10-12°C) for 10-12 days. The maceration takes place in small new French oak barrels from Darnajou. Finally the wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months.
The wine is characterized by a deep purple-red color and reveals fragrant notes of ...
View product pageSaint-Émilion AOC 1er Grand Cru Classé B 2021 Château Larcis Ducasse
Château Larcis Ducasse, the first wine from the estate of the same name which has been active since the 17th century, was elevated to the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion in 2012, a recognition due to the commitment of Nicolas Thienpont, who has led the estate since 2002. conservation and enhancement of the terroir and care of the vineyards are the fundamental principles of this historic estate.
It is the fruit of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes from vines with an average age of...
View product pageRibera del Duero DO El Anejón 2020 Pago de Carraovejas
El Anejón comes from the sloping western terraces of the Carraovejas Valley. It is produced with the three varieties planted on the estate: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
After careful monitoring during the ripening cycle and an initial selection in the vineyard, the grapes are harvested by hand in small boxes. The bunches pass through a cold room and a selection table where meticulous control is carried out. Fermentation takes place in small French oak vats to enhance the peculiarit...
View product pageToscana IGT Messorio 2020 Le Macchiole
The Rosso Rosso Messorio of the Cantina Le Macchiole is born in vineyards located in the municipality of Bolgheri.
It is produced exclusively with Merlot grapes, harvested by hand between the first and second week of September. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature for 20 days. Subsequently the wine in barrique for 14 months before being bottled.
It is characterized by a deep ruby red color. The nose opens with fruity hints of raspberry and black currant, enri...
View product pageToscana IGT 2021 Masseto
Masseto is excellence made wine. A legendary wine, coming from a terroir with unique vocational characteristics. Unanimously considered as one of the most prestigious wines in the world.
Obtained from a masterful interpretation of pure Merlot grapes, coming from three sub-areas of the homonymous Masseto vineyard, namely Masseto Centrale, Masseto Junior and Masseto Alto, favored by the coexistence of a mild-temperate climate and the breezes that blow in the vicinity of the marine expanse. The harv...
View product pageMaremma Toscana IGT Baffonero 2020 Rocca di Frassinello
The Maremma Toscana Baffonero di Rocca di Frassinello was born in the homonymous vineyard of Baffonero, one of the first to be planted by the property that is carterized by ideal exposure conditions. Baffonero is therefore one of the first wines to be conceived and developed by the joint venture between Castellare di Castellina and the Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite, the most famous château in the world.
It is produced with 100% Merlot grapes, harvested and selected entirely by hand in the f...
View product pageVeneto IGT Merlot Crosara 2018 Maculan
One of the Maculan crus, the Veneto Merlot Crosara is born in vineyards located between the towns of Ferrata and Santo Stefano, in the heart of Veneto.
It is produced with 100% Merlot grapes, harvested and selected entirely by hand, slightly overripe. Fermentation takes place in small steel vats at controlled temperature, with maceration in contact with the skins for 8 days. Subsequently the wine ages for 12 months in new French oak barrels and for a further 6 months in bottle before being releas...
View product pageLazio IGT Rosso Montiano 2021 Famiglia Cotarella
Montiano is one of the flagship labels of the winery, born from Riccardo Cotarella's passion for Bordeaux varieties and in particular for Merlot. In the Montefiascone area, the vine has found soils of ancient volcanic origin rich in skeleton and beautiful exposures at about 300 meters above sea level, which allow for the production of wines of great elegance.
The vinification is in the most classic Bordeaux style, with fermentation and maceration on the skins for a dozen days and a maturation per...
View product pageValdarno di Sopra DOC Galatrona 2022 Petrolo
The Valdarno di Sopra Galatrona di Petrolo is born in vineyards located among the green Tuscan hills of the municipality of Mercatale Valdarno, in the province of Arezzo.
It is produced exclusively with Merlot grapes. Fermentation takes place in barriques at a controlled temperature for 14 days. Subsequently the wine is aged in barriques for 18 months and for a further 6 months in the bottle before being put on the market.
Galatrona is characterized by a dark ruby red color. The nose opens with an...
View product pageToscana IGT Rosso Volta di 2019 Bertinga
Bertinga's Volta di Bertinga red wine is born in vineyards located in the Chianti Classico area.
Once harvested, the 100% Merlot grapes are vinified in steel vats. The wine then ages in French oak barriques (30% new) for approx. 18 months, followed by 12 months in the bottle.
Intense purple-red in colour, the nose is expressed with aromas of violet and blackberry, juniper, licorice and menthol. The sip is powerful, well balanced and with a fresh finish.
It goes very well with stewed meats, both red...
View product pageToscana IGT Massetino 2022 Masseto
It is the cadet wine of the famous Tenuta Masseto, which manages a wonderful vineyard near Bolgheri, characterized by precious blue clay soils of ancient marine origin. The extraordinary brightness of the place, combined with the beneficial influence of the sea breezes, allow Merlot and Cabernet Franc to mature perfectly, with a particularly elegant and intense profile.
Fermentation takes place in conical-shaped concrete tanks, at a controlled temperature of 28-30 ° C and with a maceration on the...
View product pageToscana IGT 2001 Masseto
Masseto is excellence made into wine. A legendary wine, coming from a terroir with unique vocational characteristics. Unanimously considered one of the most prestigious wines in the world.
Obtained from a masterful interpretation of Merlot grapes in purity, coming from three sub-areas of the homonymous Masseto vineyard, namely Masseto Centrale, Masseto Junior and Masseto Alto, favored by the coexistence of a mild-temperate climate and the breezes that blow in the vicinity of the marine expanse. T...
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