Merlot

		Varietals:	100% Merlot
		Vineyard:	Estate Fruit
		Appellation:	Tuscany
		Sub Appellation:	The Maremma
		Fermentation:	Stainless Steel
		Wood:	French Oak
		Aging:	6 months in new French oak barrels (250 liters) medium toast.

WINEMAKER NOTES: Made with 100% Merlot grapes cultivated on the hills surrounding Capalbio, in the Tuscan Maremma. After early harvest, the fermentation is made in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures. The color is ruby red with purple highlights. Intense bouquet with aromas of wild, ripe berries. Elegant and soft to the palate, with hints of raspberries.

MERLOT GRAPES: The Merlot grape is a close cousin to Cabernet Sauvignon in many respects. It is lower in tannins and makes wines that mature faster and are softer in texture. Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in order to soften the blend. At its best, Merlot makes a wine that is dry, rich in flavor and smooth as it finishes in your throat. At its worst, Merlot makes wine that is dry but thin in taste and texture, and not very pleasant to consume. Most of what you will come across are likely to be of pretty good quality. Merlot is a popular grape used in blending in France, Italy, and California.

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