Merlot Collio DOC 2023

Dario Raccaro | Friuli
Raccaro di Raccaro Dario & C. | Via San Giovanni 87 | IT 34071 Cormons

02032323 · 0,75 l · 52,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

There are wines that you don't find every year. Raccaro's Merlot belongs to this rare species – produced only when the vintage allows it, and even then in homeopathic quantities. "Da sempre presente nel vigneto aziendale", as the family says: always in the vineyard, but never in the bottle as a matter of course. This Merlot is not a concession to international trends, but part of the history of these slopes on Monte Quarin, where the grape variety develops a depth on the fossilised marl layers of the Ponca that is reminiscent of the great Merlot interpretations of Friuli. The vineyard lies at an altitude of 90 metres, north-south orientation, 5,000 vines per hectare in the Guyot system. Old vines, low yields, late harvest – the prerequisites for concentration. The vinification follows a clear line: twelve days of maceration at a controlled 25 to 28 degrees to extract structure and depth without overtaxing the fruit. This is followed by 15 months in small French wooden barrels, where the wine gains complexity and learns to tame its youthful vigour.

Dense ruby red with violet reflections. Opulent notes of blackberry jam and blackcurrant on the nose, followed by layers of raspberry and blueberry. The wood has left subtle traces – subtle roasted flavours, a hint of vanilla –but they blend seamlessly into the overall picture. The full dimension unfolds on the palate: powerful and dense, with ripe, velvety tannins that provide structure without dominating. The 14% vol. blends harmoniously with the rich fruit and earthy minerality of the Ponca. The final is long, with ethereal notes that develop in the glass and make the wine more complex with every sip. A red wine with which Dario impressively demonstrates that the Collio is capable of more than just great white wines. SUPERIORE.DE