This wine is a truly old world Bordeaux-style Merlot from the area of Grave in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Selected Bordeaux clones are cultivated in a few high-density vineyard plots, hand-picked and vinified separately. The final blend is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, fined with egg whites and bottled unfiltered. This Merlot has a vibrant ruby red color with garnet reflections. The bouquet is very complex with notes of cherry, plum, red flowers, rosemary, green olive and oregano. On the palate Vistorta Merlot reminds of a right-bank Bordeaux. It is extremely elegant and intense, well balanced and very complex. The wine has great acidity and mineral content. The finish is persistent with well integrated notes of vanilla, mocha and dark chocolate. Overall this wine shows a wonderful finesse and harmony. In this stage 2002 Vistorta Merlot is drinking beautifully. I would pair this wine with medium to hard textured cheeses, polenta with meat sauces, game, wild boar, lamb and mushrooms. Exceptional value. Retail price is $18.

Production Area: Friuli, ITALY

Evolution: Mature