What kind of wine is Valle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes?

Valle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes is an elegant and authentic red wine, an expression of the Charrère family's passion and expertise. It originates from the steep terraces of Aymavilles, in the heart of the Aosta Valley, where Merlot finds an ideal second home thanks to significant temperature fluctuations and the particular composition of the soil, rich in sand and stone. The result is a red with a decisive yet balanced character, combining softness and mountain freshness.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was characterized by a climate favorable to the complete ripening of the grapes. Lês Cretes chooses to harvest Merlot in mid-October, when the berries have reached the perfect balance between sugars and natural acidity. This careful harvesting allows for a harmonious wine, where the power of the varietal blends with the typical finesse of high-altitude productions.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Valle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes takes place in stainless steel tanks, with fermentation and maceration lasting approximately 12-18 days, techniques that allow for gentle extraction of color, aromas, and tannins. The subsequent 12-month aging occurs in 300-liter French tonneaux, small oak barrels that contribute to rounding out the wine's profile, imparting complexity and finesse without masking the varietal notes of Merlot.

Tasting Notes

'Le Merle' is a mountain Merlot that surprises with its balance and personality. Here's how it presents itself during tasting:

Color

Visually, it displays a beautiful intense ruby red with purplish reflections, indicative of youth and good concentration.

Nose

The aromatic profile is rich and captivating: aromas of ripe red fruits such as cherry and blackberry emerge, accompanied by delicate notes of sweet spices and a slight hint of vanilla from the wood aging.

Palate

On the palate, it is soft and round, with velvety tannins and a pleasant freshness that balances its structure. The finish is long and enveloping, with a lingering taste of red fruit and subtle spicy nuances. It is a versatile wine, capable of pleasing both the enthusiast's palate and those new to the world of more structured red wines.

Food Pairings for Valle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes

This Aosta Valley red pairs well with medium-bodied dishes and genuine flavors. Ideal for accompanying:

• Grilled or roasted red meats
• Pasta dishes with meat-based sauces
• Aged traditional alpine cheeses
• Typical Aosta Valley cured meats and cold cuts

Also perfect to enjoy on its own in a convivial setting, perhaps during a chat with friends, just as the legend that inspired the name "Le Merle" suggests, dedicated to the greedy blackbirds that approach the vineyards during harvest in search of the sweetest berries.

Storage and Aging – How to store Valle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes wine

To preserve the qualities of this wine, it is important to store it horizontally in a cool, dark place with controlled humidity. The ideal storage temperature is around 14-16°C. Although ready to drink, Valle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes has good aging potential: it can be left to mature in the cellar for 4-6 years, during which time it will develop more complex and refined notes without losing its pleasant freshness.