Castellare Poggio Ai Merli Merlot 2021

About the Castellare di Castellina Estate

Castellare di Castellina, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, is recognised for its commitment to sustainable winegrowing and the excellence of its wines. Specialising in authentic Tuscan wines, the estate excels in crafting cuvées from both local and international grape varieties, taking particular care to express the unique terroir of Castellina.

About the Poggio Ai Merli Merlot Cuvée

Castellare di Castellina's Poggio Ai Merli Merlot is an eloquent example of Merlot's ability to flourish on Tuscan soil. Made from a rigorous selection of Merlot grapes from the single Poggio Ai Merli vineyard, this wine is aged in oak barriques to develop its complexity and character. The cuvée stands out for its richness, depth and balance, offering a luxurious and deeply Tuscan interpretation of this international grape variety.

Aromas of the Cuvée

Poggio Ai Merli Merlot is characterised by intense aromas of black fruit such as blackberry and blackcurrant, enriched with notes of truffle, dark chocolate and coffee. Oak ageing adds layers of vanilla and sweet spice, while hints of earth and forest floor round off the bouquet, creating a captivating, complex aromatic profile.

Characteristics of the Cuvée

• Grape variety: Merlot
• Profile: This wine offers a solid, velvety structure marked by ripe tannins and well-integrated acidity. Poggio Ai Merli Merlot is prized for its concentration, its elegance and its long finish, all testament to its high quality and ageing potential.
• Ageing potential: With its fine structure and elegant tannins, this Merlot is set to evolve superbly in the cellar. It promises to gain complexity and finesse with age, giving enthusiasts the chance to discover how it transforms over the years.

Food Pairings

This cuvée is perfect with rich, flavourful dishes such as grilled red meats, hearty stews or mature cheeses. Its richness and depth also make it an excellent companion for complex, aromatic dishes, showcasing intense flavours and smooth textures.

Ah Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, people of the Dolce Vita, but what difficulty in understanding its wine organization! The key to understanding the naming system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous country because each region has its own naming system. Italy can, however, give wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles filled with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines which are sold under their most useful and commercially reputable name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others...

But let's talk a little history, viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and it originated in Greece. The Etruscans would have planted vines and Greek immigrants would have improved and modified the grape varieties who subsequently called this country "Oenotria": the country of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life and certain regions already stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible testimony to their invasion.

Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic areas. The northern mountains experience a fairly harsh mountain climate. The “middle of the boot” plain is the domain of the continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot" the Mediterranean climate reigns with very hot and very dry summers without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces wines of great variety thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originate from their lands. It is a country just as complex as its wines which deserve to be explored!