"RedMont" Merlot 2017, Collio - A Very Special Wine

100 percent Merlot from the Collio hills of Friuli. RedMont comes from mature vines planted between 1967 and 2000 on alluvial soils with marl deposits. It is fermented at 26°C with 20 days on skins and gentle manual punch downs, then aged about 24 months in 500 liter oak barrels. Bottled without filtration to preserve purity, it rests a minimum of 4 months in bottle before release.

Vineyard and Vinification
• Grape: Merlot
• Appellation: Collio DOC, Friuli Venezia Giulia
• Site: 95 meters elevation with west exposure
• Training: Guyot, about 4,000 vines per hectare
• Clonal material: Clones and massal selection
• Soil: Alluvial plain with marl deposits
• Harvest: By sensory selection of berry ripeness in the pre harvest period
• Fermentation: 20 days on skins at 26°C with gentle punch downs
• Aging: About 24 months in 500 liter oak, then at least 4 months in bottle
• Serving temperature: 18°C

Tasting profile
Deep ruby color. Aromas of blackberry, ripe black plum, violet, and black truffle with hints of graphite and sweet spice. Full and layered on the palate with velvety round tannins, notable freshness, and a long, complex finish.

Food pairings
Excellent with braised beef, roast lamb, wild game, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.

Quick take
Serious Collio Merlot that marries ripe dark fruit and savory complexity with polish and length. Unfiltered and cellar worthy.