What kind of wine is Collio Merlot DOC 2021 - Pighin?

The Collio Merlot DOC 2021 - Pighin is an elegant and intense red wine, born in the heart of one of Friuli Venezia Giulia's most renowned wine regions. Made from 100% Merlot grapes, it represents the authentic expression of a territory capable of bestowing wines with a balanced structure and a distinctive character. Medium-bodied yet full of personality, it is a red that captivates with its balance of softness, warmth, and aromatic intensity.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage in Collio was characterized by regular weather, with warm but not excessive summers and excellent diurnal temperature variations. These conditions favored optimal grape ripening, ensuring concentrated color and intense aromas. The result is a Merlot with a harmonious and balanced profile, combining ripe fruit and natural freshness, typical of grapes grown on the marl and sandstone-rich soils of this area.

Vinification and Aging

The production of Collio Merlot DOC 2021 - Pighin follows careful processing that respects the raw material. After manual harvesting of the grapes, fermentation takes place in steel tanks with skin maceration (a prolonged contact of the must with the skins to extract color and soft tannins). Subsequently, the wine ages for about 14 months in oak barrels, where it develops aromatic complexity and a velvety texture, before a further period of rest in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

The Collio Merlot DOC 2021 - Pighin presents itself as a harmonious and refined wine, with a successful balance between the typical softness of the varietal and the vivacity that the territory bestows upon it.

Color

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red with slight garnet reflections, a sign of its maturity and wood aging.

Nose

On the nose, it releases broad and enveloping aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and subtle spicy notes of vanilla and cocoa. In the background, hints of aromatic herbs and a pleasant toasted nuance from the wood emerge.

Palate

On the palate, it is soft, warm, and velvety, with round and well-integrated tannins. The structure is balanced, supported by a pleasant freshness that makes it easy to drink. The finish is long and clean, with a fruity and spicy return that invites another sip.

Pairing Collio Merlot DOC 2021 - Pighin with Food

Versatile and pleasant, this Collio Merlot harmoniously accompanies numerous Italian dishes. It is perfect with:

• Flavorful first courses such as lasagna, tagliatelle with ragù, or mushroom risottos;
• Grilled or roasted red meats, veal roasts, and stews;
• Medium-aged cheeses, both cow's milk and hard cheeses.

Thanks to its softness, it can also successfully accompany slightly spicy dishes or game dishes with a not too intense flavor.

Storage and Aging

For those wondering how to store Collio Merlot DOC 2021 - Pighin wine, the advice is to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations. The bottle should be kept horizontally, with the cork always moist. The ideal serving temperature is 16-18°C, to be reached gradually.

While enjoyable immediately for its softness and readiness, this Merlot can evolve gracefully for several years in the cellar. Aging for 4-6 years will further enhance its aromatic complexity and roundness of taste, making it a smart choice for those who love full-bodied and harmonious reds.