THE WINE

The Merlot of the Colle Duga winery comes from 100% Merlot grapes grown in the vineyards owned by the winery. We are in the localities of Zegla in the municipality of Cormons in the heart of the Collio DOC area in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The microclimate and proximity to the sea make this area one of Friuli’s most suitable for growing vines. This part of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region is also famous for what the locals call “ponca”, or the soil rich in sandstone marl of Eocene origin.

THE WINEMAKING

The harvest is strictly manual and occurs between the end of September and the beginning of October. The selected grapes are taken to the cellar for winemaking. After destemming, the grapes macerate for a period to extract all the colour and aromas of the grapes themselves. Once fermentation is complete, the wine rests for between nine and eleven months in small wooden barrels. The assembly and bottling follow; the wine rests in the cellar for a few more months before being placed on the market.

THE TASTING

Ruby red colour tending towards garnet. On the nose, it is elegant with pleasant fruity notes of small red fruits, which in turn leave room for hints of vanilla to finish with delicate spicy hints. Savoury and well structured on the palate, this Merlot is a full-bodied wine with a good correspondence between aromas and flavour and a long and persistent finish.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Excellent with red meat and hard cheeses. Try it with grilled meat.