“Poggio ai Merli” Merlot Toscana IGT 2021

Castellare di Castellina | Tuscany
Castellare di Castellina | Str. Provinc. di Castagnoli 14-15 | IT 53011 Castellina in Chianti

29302521 · 0,75 l · 97,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

On the "hill of the blackbirds" – is the poetic translation of Poggio ai Merli – has been producing one of the most impressive interpretations of the Merlot grape variety in Tuscany since 1999. Here, where Paolo Panerai expresses his vision of international grape varieties on Tuscan terroir, Merlot vines grow on calcareous soils between 350 and 400 metres above sea level, developing a personality that is rarely found even in the best international appellations thanks to their unique location. The name deliberately plays on the ambiguity between "Merli" (blackbirds) and Merlot – a play on words that emphasises the close connection between this terroir and the birdlife that Castellare has always protected and celebrated. Each bottle is labelled with a bird that nests in the estate's pesticide-free vineyards – a symbol of the estate's sustainable philosophy.

The 2021 vintage reveals the full power of this exceptional terroir. The bouquet unfolds a fascinating complexity: blackcurrant, ripe plums and blackberries merge with the elegant roasted flavours of cocoa, vanilla and coffee to create an olfactory experience of rare depth. The true greatness of this Merlot is revealed on the palate: Velvety soft texture meets powerful structure, while finely woven, elegant tannins provide balance. The warm, enveloping mouthfeel leads to a long, harmonious final in which the fruit flavours come to life once again. Poggio ai Merli is more than just a single-varietal Merlot. It is proof that Tuscany is one of the world's great Merlot terroirs.

"Bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Fine resinous tones on the nose, earthy, ripe wild berry fruit, some graphite, mint and plum on the finish. Great grip and beautiful acidity on the palate, with fine resinous nuances, present tannins in the finish, can age for a long time." Falstaff

"A fine Merlot with aromas and flavours of redcurrant underpinned with notes of herbs and oak. Medium-bodied and a fluid feel on the palate, with lingering cherry and berry fruit. Once the firm tannic barrier has broken down with time in the bottle, this will be a lovely wine to drink." James Suckling

"Leads with a strong graphite aroma, with flavours of black cherry, plum, iron and tar. Packs power and serious savoury character, with a solid core of fruit underneath." Wine Spectator

"The Poggio ai Merli 2021 (Merlot) is a rich, intoxicating wine. An explosion of dark fruit, leather, liquorice, menthol and mocha saturates the palate. This inky, full-bodied Merlot offers good balance and great appeal. The 2021 is a particularly beautiful edition." Vinous

"The 2021 Poggio ai Merli opens with dark concentration and rich texture with beautifully focused flavours of black cherry, sweet smoke, baking spice, dried mint and pipe tobacco. The wine is straightforward and multi-layered in this vintage, with dark fruit flavours unfolding again as it opens carefully in the glass. The tannins are soft and accessible. There are only 4,000 bottles of this wine." Wine Advocate