Langhe Rosso (Merlot) 2018
DOC Langhe, Cascina Morassino, 750 ml
| Grape variety: | Merlot |
| Producer: | Cascina Morassino / R. & M. Bianco |
| Origin: | Italy / Piemont / Langhe |
Description
Cascina Morassino is a small winery in the heart of Barbaresco in the province of Cuneo. There, the grapes thrive at about 270 metres above sea level on clayey, chalky marl soil. The grapes for this red wine come from Ovello, an absolute top vineyard in Barbaresco, but where mainly Nebbiolo is grown. A special place, which is actually not known for Merlot at all, but the vines were already planted in the 90s and therefore produce particularly well-structured and finesse-rich Merlot wines. This Langhe convinces with its fresh fruit and animating acidity, which makes the wine very drinkable. A wine that is simply fun to drink! With its opulent, rich plum aroma and light but well-structured tannin, it is also a real tip for the barbecue season.
Attributes
| Origin: | Italy / Piemont / Langhe |
| Grape variety: | Merlot |
| Ripening potential: | 3 to 8 years after harvest |
| Drinking temperature: | 16 to 18 °C |
| Food Pairing: | Brasato di manzo al Barolo, Cold fish dish, dried meat, Roasted lamb gigot, Cheese board, Hearty stew with pulses, Risotto with ceps |
| Vinification: | short must fermentation, fermentation in steel tank |
| Harvest: | hand-picking, strict selection |
| Maturation: | in used barriques, some months bottle storage before sale |
| Maturation duration: | 15 months |
| Volume: | 15.0 % |
| Note: | Contains sulphites |
Cascina Morassino / R. & M. Bianco
Merlot
Everybody’s darling
Merlot is the most charming member of the Bordeaux family. It shines with rich colour, fragrant fullness, velvety tannins and sweet, plummy fruit. It even makes itself easy for the vintner, as it matures without issue in cool years as well. This is in contrast to the stricter Cabernet Sauvignon, which it complements as a blending partner. Its good qualities have made the Merlot famous worldwide. At over 100,000 hectares, it is the most-planted grape in France. It also covers large areas in California, Italy, Australia and recently in Eastern Europe. The only catch is that pure Merlot varieties rarely turn out well. Its charm is often associated with a lack of substance. Only the best specimens improve with maturity. They then develop complex notes of leather and truffles. This succeeds in the top wines from the Bordeaux appellation of Pomerol and those from Ticino, among others.
Italy
Italy – Where wine is a way of life
The Italian wine regions are extremely diverse, and this is made clear in their wines. Established varieties such as Merlot, Syrah, and Sauvignon can be found on just 15 percent of the total vine growing area. The remaining 85 percent is reserved for autochthonous, indigenous varieties. More than 2,000 different grape varieties are grown under diverse conditions and pressed with various techniques into wines that reach the top tier of the international wine market.
