Luscious, fruity, and easy to drink, a well-made merlot is one of the easiest wines to fall in love with. The variety originates from the Bordeaux region of southwest France. Here, merlot grapes are often blended with other varietals, such as such as cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. However, unlike some of the more finicky grape varieties that require extensive care to keep them healthy and free from disease, merlot is relatively easy to grow. It thrives in regions across the globe, from the Americas to Australia. Merlot also tends to sit in a more affordable price bracket than many Bordeaux blends, particularly those dominated by cabernet sauvignon.
Bollini crafts its lush, fresh, cool-climate merlot in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy, nestled in the foothills of the Dolomites. Freshness is one of the defining characteristics of Bollini’s wine. Bollini hand-harvests its grapes from high-elevation vineyards, fermenting and aging in stainless steel tanks to create an energetic wine with a black fruit profile and silky-soft tannins. At 13% ABV, the fragrant wine shows blackberry, boysenberry, blackcurrant, and dark plum flavors, complemented by a wild herb earthiness and a touch of crushed stone minerality. While the average price is around $15, you can occasionally find this merlot for less than $10. The wine pairs very nicely with hearty European fare such as turkey Bolognese bianco or spring chicken fricassee, with an acidity that cuts through fatty meats and rich sauces.
Excerpt Taken From: Tasting Table
Author: Hayley Hamilton Cogill
