Rosso Ca del Merlo 2017

Rosso Ca' del Merlo comes from the hills of Negrar, in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, in the province of Verona, northeastern Italy. The vineyard is located on well-ventilated hillsides at a moderate altitude, where calcareous and clay-loam soils favor a slow and balanced ripening of the grapes. The vines are trained in traditional Pergola Veronese, on terraced plots primarily facing southwest, offering generous sunshine and cooler nights that preserve the aromatic freshness and complexity of the wine.

Produced from vines located on the hills of Valpolicella, this wine is made from hand-harvested grapes, with part of the harvest vinified fresh and another part raisined according to the house tradition. Fermentation takes place slowly, with long macerations, to gently extract color and structure. Aging then occurs in large oak barrels for several years, allowing the wine to refine, integrate its tannins, and develop an aromatic complexity characteristic of the estate.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, ripe plum, and small red berries, complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet and dried rose, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, licorice, and clove. Discreet woody accents, with notes of blond tobacco and cocoa, blend with a slight balsamic dimension. On the palate, the texture is full and velvety, supported by fresh acidity, fine yet present tannins, and a long, savory, and harmonious finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!