The Wine Rosso Fortificato Merlino 21-08 by Pojer e Sandri

The Fortified Red Wine Merlino 16-02 from Pojer e Sandri winery is an innovation in the Italian wine scene. It is the first wine of its kind produced in Italy, born from the union of tradition and experimentation. Merlino 16-02 is made from partially fermented Lagrein grape must, to which the winery’s exclusive brandy, made from Schiava and Lagarino grapes, is added. The designation “16-02” refers to the vintage: 2016 for the wine and 2002 for the brandy.

Winemaking

The Winemaking of Merlino 16-02 begins with the harvest of Lagrein grapes at full maturity. The grapes are refrigerated for 1-2 nights to lower their temperature, a technique that preserves the integrity of the aromas. After destemming, cold maceration is carried out for 5-6 days, optimizing aromatic extraction. Fermentation is intentionally stopped at 4-5 degrees of alcohol to allow the addition of over 10-year-old brandy. The blending process is crucial to avoid “burning” the wine with the distillate. Finally, the wine is aged in oak barrels previously used for brandy aging, enriching the wine with complexity and depth.

Tasting the wine

The Fortified Red Wine Merlino 16-02 presents a very intense violet color. On the nose, it stands out for its complex and enveloping aromas of small fruits, with cherry, blackberry, and currant at the forefront. These harmoniously blend with spicy notes of vanilla, accompanied by elegant hints of coffee and cocoa. On the palate, Merlino is warm and sweet, with a robust structure and harmony that makes it unique.

Food Pairings

This wine pairs wonderfully with chocolate and desserts made with cocoa or coffee. It is also perfect with fresh strawberries, enhancing their natural sweetness. Thanks to its aromatic complexity, Merlino 16-02 is ideal as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed after dinner in a moment of relaxation and reflection.

The Merlino 16-02 from Pojer e Sandri is, therefore, a versatile and innovative wine, capable of providing new tasting experiences to enthusiasts of the genre.

THE AWARDS

2013
– 3 vines (wine of great stylistic and organoleptic profile) by the Italian Sommelier Association
– 2 glasses by the Gambero Rosso guide
– Luca Maroni: 97/100

THE WINERY

Founded in 1975 in Faedo, in the province of Trento, the Pojer e Sandri winery was born from the meeting of Mario Pojer, a young oenologist graduated from the San Michele all’Adige school, and Fiorentino Sandri, owner of two hectares of vineyard. At a time when the Faedo hill was considered unsuitable for viticulture, these pioneers defied conventions, producing high-quality wines that quickly gained national and international recognition… keep reading