What kind of wine is Collio Merlot DOC 'Graf de La Tour' 2018 - Villa Russiz

The Collio Merlot DOC 'Graf de La Tour' 2018 - Villa Russiz is an elegant and structured red, a symbol of the winemaking tradition of Collio, a territory located on the border between Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia. It is made from 100% Merlot grapes, the famous red grape variety known for its softness and roundness. This wine is born from careful selections and meticulous work in the vineyard, which allow it to best express the typicality of the territory and the complexity of the grape variety.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage in Collio was characterized by a balanced climate, with a mild summer and a dry autumn that favored the perfect ripening of the grapes. This resulted in a high-quality harvest, with healthy bunches and sugars well balanced by good acidity. The result is a harmonious Merlot, with an important yet pleasant structure, suitable for both immediate consumption and evolution over time.

Winemaking and Aging

The Collio Merlot DOC 'Graf de La Tour' 2018 - Villa Russiz is vinified with traditional fermentation in stainless steel, with an extended maceration period in contact with the skins to extract color, tannins, and complex aromas. Aging takes place in French oak barriques for about twelve months, followed by further rest in the bottle, so as to harmonize the components and give depth and finesse to the final wine.

Tasting Notes

A Merlot of great personality that tells the story of Collio with elegance and character. Its aromatic, tactile, and gustatory components blend into a balanced and intriguing whole.

Color

It presents an intense ruby red color, with garnet reflections beginning to emerge, a sign of controlled evolution. The brilliance of the color indicates good concentration and care in winemaking.

Nose

The aroma is broad and complex: notes of ripe red fruits such as cherry and blackberry intertwine with hints of sweet spices, vanilla, and a light toastiness. With oxygenation, more evolved nuances of cocoa, tobacco, and undergrowth emerge, speaking of the wood aging.

Palate

On the palate, it is full and enveloping, with a solid structure supported by fine and well-integrated tannins. The persistence is long, with fruity and spicy returns that invite another sip. Its balanced freshness makes the wine pleasantly drinkable despite its complexity.

What to pair with Collio Merlot DOC 'Graf de La Tour' 2018 - Villa Russiz

This Collio Merlot pairs perfectly with rich and flavorful dishes, thanks to its structure and softness. Ideal to accompany:

• Grilled or roasted red meats
• Feathered or furred game
• Aged cheeses such as Montasio PDO or Pecorino
• Mushroom risottos or truffle-based dishes

Its versatility also makes it excellent for welcoming guests at a refined dinner, where a wine of great balance becomes a protagonist without overpowering the dish.

Storage and aging: how to store Collio Merlot DOC 'Graf de La Tour' 2018 - Villa Russiz wine

To maintain the intact qualities of the Collio Merlot DOC 'Graf de La Tour' 2018 - Villa Russiz, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature around 14-16°C and controlled humidity, avoiding thermal shocks and vibrations. The bottle should remain lying down, so that the cork maintains its proper elasticity.

Thanks to its structure and good balance between components, this Merlot can evolve positively for several years. Bottle aging of 8-10 years allows one to appreciate its evolved notes and aromatic finesse even more.