{"product_id":"valle-d-aosta-merlot-doc-le-merle-2021-les-cretes","title":"Valle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat kind of wine is Valle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eValle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eVintage Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWinemaking and Aging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winemaking of \u003cstrong\u003eValle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Le Merle' is a mountain Merlot that surprises with its balance and personality. Here's how it presents itself during tasting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eColor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisually, it displays a beautiful \u003cstrong\u003eintense ruby red\u003c\/strong\u003e with purplish reflections, indicative of youth and good concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNose\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aromatic profile is rich and captivating: aromas of \u003cstrong\u003eripe red fruits\u003c\/strong\u003e such as cherry and blackberry emerge, accompanied by delicate notes of sweet spices and a slight hint of vanilla from the wood aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePalate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, it is soft and round, with \u003cstrong\u003evelvety tannins\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFood Pairings for Valle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Aosta Valley red pairs well with medium-bodied dishes and genuine flavors. Ideal for accompanying:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrilled or roasted red meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePasta dishes with meat-based sauces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged traditional alpine cheeses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTypical Aosta Valley cured meats and cold cuts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage and Aging – How to store Valle d'Aosta Merlot DOC 'Le Merle' 2021 - Lês Cretes wine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo preserve the qualities of this wine, it is important to store it horizontally in a cool, dark place with controlled humidity. The \u003cstrong\u003eideal storage temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Les Crêtes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52415374360915,"sku":"V00-L033-2021-05_D000","price":34.22,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0985\/2603\/6307\/files\/valle-d-aosta-merlot-doc-le-merle-2021-les-cretes.jpg?v=1764415210","url":"https:\/\/www.astemyo.com\/en\/products\/valle-d-aosta-merlot-doc-le-merle-2021-les-cretes","provider":"Astemyo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}