What kind of wine is Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 - Marchesi di Grésy?
The Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 - Marchesi di Grésy is a Piedmontese red wine of great personality, made from 100% Merlot grapes cultivated in the heart of Monferrato, in the municipality of Cassine (province of Alessandria). This denomination, recognized as DOC, enhances an international grape variety that, in the hands of the historic Marchesi di Grésy winery, finds an elegant and authentic expression.
It is a full-bodied red, structured yet balanced, capable of combining intensity and softness. It is a wine that seduces with its complexity and wins over with its excellent quality-price ratio, designed for both those new to the world of wine and those who love to discover labels with a sincere, territorial character.
Vintage details
The 2013 vintage in Monferrato was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with a cool spring and a moderately warm summer that ensured gradual and complete ripening of the grapes. Well-distributed rainfall and high temperature fluctuations in September favored excellent aromatic concentration and soft tannins, distinctive features of this Merlot 2013 by Marchesi di Grésy.
Winemaking and aging
The Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 is fermented at controlled temperatures to best preserve the fruit's aromas. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, followed by prolonged maceration—the contact between skins and must—which allows for the extraction of color and structure. Aging takes place in French oak barriques for 30 months, followed by an additional two years in bottle before release: a process that gives the wine harmony, depth, and finesse.
Tasting Notes
A wine with a decisive yet refined identity, the Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 - Marchesi di Grésy offers a complete and enveloping sensory experience.
Color
Visually, it presents an intense ruby red, still vibrant and bright despite its age. The subtle and harmonious garnet reflections attest to a balanced evolution and the wine's mature character.
Nose
The aroma is broad and complex. It opens with notes of ripe red fruits like cherry and blackberry, followed by nuances of cocoa, sweet spices, and tobacco. With aeration in the glass, balsamic hints and a light touch of vanilla emerge, a result of the wood aging.
Palate
On the palate, it is structured and enveloping, with dense but well-integrated tannins. The balance between freshness and softness is perfect, and the finish is long, sustained by a pleasant spicy sensation. It is a Merlot that expresses power and restraint, leaving a velvety and complex sensation.
Food Pairings for Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 - Marchesi di Grésy
This wine lends itself to numerous pairings, thanks to its structure and softness. It is ideal for convivial moments as well as special occasions.
- Perfect with roasted or grilled red meats, such as beef tagliata and fillet.
- Excellent with game dishes or braised meats, which enhance its aromatic complexity.
- It also pairs well with aged cheeses and rich first courses, such as truffle risottos or lasagna with ragù.
Served at the right temperature, it offers a balanced and satisfying tasting experience.
Storage and Aging: How to Store Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 - Marchesi di Grésy
To best appreciate it, the Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 - Marchesi di Grésy should be stored in a cool, dark environment, with a constant temperature of around 14-16°C and the bottle laid horizontally to keep the cork moist. Although it is already perfectly ready to drink, this wine has excellent aging potential: it can evolve further for another 8-10 years, developing greater complexity and finesse in its aromas. It is a bottle that tells a story of time, perfect for those who love to taste great Piedmontese reds in their full balance.
Marchesi di Grésy
The History of Marchesi di Grésy Winery The Marchesi di Grésy winery is a symbol of excellence in the world of Italian wine, combining tradition, heritage, and innovation. Located in the heart of the Langhe, this historic winery has deep roots dating back generations of passionate winemakers. It'...
How to best open and serve Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 - Marchesi di Grésy
1. Bottle Positioning
To fully appreciate the characteristics of Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 - Marchesi di Grésy, position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours before opening. This will allow natural sediments to settle at the bottom, preventing them from clouding the wine when poured.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The recommended serving temperature for this wine is between 16°C and 18°C. If stored in a cellar, simply remove it about an hour before consumption to reach the optimal temperature. Avoid serving it too hot or too cold: the right balance will enhance the aromatic complexity of the Merlot.
3. Opening the Bottle
Proceed calmly and precisely:
- Remove the capsule by cutting below the bottle's neck ring.
- Clean the neck and cork with a cloth.
- Gently insert the corkscrew into the center and pull out the cork slowly to avoid breakage.
For aged wines, the cork can be fragile: if necessary, use a lever corkscrew or a twin-prong cork puller for safer removal.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Smell the cork: it should smell of wine and slight evolution, without hints of mold or flaws. Pour a small amount into a glass to check its clarity, color, and aroma. A well-preserved Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 will present mature notes and a complex bouquet, typical of an aged Piedmont wine.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Decanting is essential to enhance the aromatic potential of this wine:
- Slowly pour the wine into a carafe, avoiding transferring sediments.
- Allow it to oxygenate for about 30-45 minutes before serving.
- During decanting, contact with air will allow the aromas of ripe red fruit, spices, and tertiary notes developed over time to open up.
6. Serving
Use large glasses, such as Bordeaux glasses, which favor aeration and allow you to fully appreciate the structure of Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 - Marchesi di Grésy. Pour a moderate amount into each glass, allowing the wine to move and release its complex aromas. The ideal pairing is with red meat dishes, game, or aged Piedmontese cheeses.
7. Storage After Opening
If not fully consumed, recork the bottle with the original cork or a specific vacuum stopper. Store in a cool, dark place. The wine will maintain its characteristics for 24-48 hours. It is advisable not to prolong storage beyond this to avoid excessive oxidation.
By following these steps, you will be able to best appreciate every nuance of Monferrato Rosso DOC 'Merlot daSolo' 2013 - Marchesi di Grésy, making every tasting an authentic and refined experience.