What kind of wine is Lazio IGP Merlot 'Ars Magna' 2018 - Omina Romana

The Lazio IGP Merlot 'Ars Magna' 2018 - Omina Romana is an elegant and structured red wine, an authentic expression of the Lazio territory. Produced with 100% Merlot grapes, it originates from a selection of the best clones grown on the volcanic hills of Velletri, where the mineral-rich soil and temperate microclimate give balance and complexity to the fruit. It is a medium-to-full-bodied wine, with a harmonious and profound character, capable of combining roundness and vivacity in a captivating and persistent sip.

Vintage details

The 2018 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with a mild spring and a moderately warm summer that favored a slow and homogeneous ripening of the grapes. The harvest, strictly carried out by hand, allowed for the selection of only perfectly ripe bunches, preserving the aromatic intensity and freshness of the Merlot. The result is a balanced wine, with mature but not excessive fruit and a fine tannic texture.

Vinification and aging

After manual harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and sent for fermentation in stainless steel at a controlled temperature, with a maceration (i.e., the contact of the must with the skins to extract color and tannins) of about two weeks. Subsequently, the wine matures for 12 months in new French oak barriques, a phase that imparts elegance and spicy notes. Before commercialization, the wine rests in the bottle for another 12 months, to further refine its harmony and aromatic complexity.

Tasting notes

The Lazio IGP Merlot 'Ars Magna' 2018 - Omina Romana captivates with its balance, finesse, and long-lasting taste. It is a red wine capable of sincerely expressing the territory and the winery's style.

Color

It presents a deep ruby red color, with purplish nuances, a sign of youth and intensity.

Nose

On the nose, it expresses intense notes of ripe red fruits like cherry and plum, combined with nuances of vanilla, cocoa, and light balsamic notes. Aging in wood provides a pleasant complexity with hints of sweet spices and tobacco.

Palate

In the mouth, it is soft and round, with silky and well-integrated tannins. The structure is solid but balanced, supported by good freshness that makes the sip dynamic. The finish is long and pleasantly persistent, with a return of red fruit and fine spices.

What dishes to pair with Lazio IGP Merlot 'Ars Magna' 2018 - Omina Romana

Versatile and refined, this Merlot easily pairs with flavorful dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. It is perfect with:

• Grilled or oven-roasted red meats;
• Long-cooked stews and braised dishes;
• Aged hard cheeses;
• First courses with meat or mushroom sauces.

Its roundness also makes it ideal as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed alone at the end of a meal.

Storage and aging: how to store Lazio IGP Merlot 'Ars Magna' 2018 - Omina Romana

To preserve the qualities of Lazio IGP Merlot 'Ars Magna' 2018 - Omina Romana, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dry place away from light, at a constant temperature of about 12-14°C. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent air infiltration.

Thanks to its structure and careful winemaking, this wine has an excellent aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for 8-10 years, developing more complex tertiary notes over time, such as licorice and leather. A red wine of great balance, destined to provide emotions even as the years pass.