Merlot 50 Anni Le Vigne di Zamò 2020

Merlot 50 Anni from the Friulian winery Le Vigne di Zamò is an intense, rich, and complex red that enhances the best varietal qualities of one of the most cultivated and loved Bordeaux grape varieties in the world. Arriving in Friuli during the 19th century, like all international grape varieties, it has adapted particularly well to the Colli Orientali area, where it has found a mild climate and suitable soils to express itself at excellent quality levels. A rigorous work among the rows, the naturally low yields of the old vines, and a long aging in fine woods give a red of great charm and longevity.

The wine Merlot 50 Anni is one of the flagship products of the estate Le Vigne di Zamò, which manages about 40 hectares in the prestigious areas of Rosazzo, Buttrio, and Rocca Bernarda, in the heart of the Colli Orientali del Friuli. The Merlot grapes come only from the oldest vines of the estate, which are at least 50 years old and produce few clusters of remarkable intensity and aromatic concentration. The selected plots for this label are are located in the hilly area of Buttrio, which offers magnificent sunny exposures, allowing excellent ripening of red berry grapes. The harvest takes place around mid-September, with the selection of the best clusters. The grapes ferment in truncated-conical wooden vats, with a maceration on the skins of about three weeks, accompanied by manual punch downs, pump overs, and délestage. The wine matures for 18 months in French oak barriques and ages for two years in bottle before being released to the market.

The red Merlot 50 Anni, made by the winery Le Vigne di Zamò, is a splendid interpretation of the noble Bordeaux grape variety, complex and elegant, without exceeding in opulence and excessive softness on the palate. Visually, it presents a rather dark and gloomy red, with slight garnet hues. The olfactory profile is intense and rich, with ripe aromas of cherry, blackberry, black currant, blueberry, notes of delicate spices, licorice root, hints of cocoa, and nuances of medicinal herbs. On the palate, it is broad, warm, and harmonious. With a velvety tannic structure, a pleasant and juicy fruit maturity, a fresh and pleasantly balsamic finish.