Casalforte Merlot Veneto IGT 2020

Casalforte Merlot Veneto IGT 2020 / Cantine Riondo / Veneto

Red wine from Italy

Cantine Riondo is based in the heart of the Soave area between the famous cities of Verona and Venice. Although it was only founded in 2008 as a wine cooperative, it is currently one of the most important wine producers in Veneto. The corporate structure seems complicated, but in reality, it is very simple: two thousand winemakers cultivate 6000 hectares of vineyards in the provinces of Verona, Vicenza and Padua, giving the harvested grapes to five wineries for subsequent vinification.

Casalforte is Cantine Riondo's premium line and represents the most refined interpretation of the winemaking tradition of the territory to which it belongs. The line includes elegant and full-bodied Venetian DOC and varietal wines, perfectly paired with the most complex and demanding dishes of Italian and international cuisine. The name Casalforte pays homage to the typical "farmhouses" that can be found in many farms in this area. Here you will meet winegrowers who have been farming their land knowledgeably for countless generations with the "fortress" of soul and passion.

Merlot is a red wine variety that probably originated in the Bordeaux region of France. It is one of the most cultivated grape varieties worldwide and is also cultivated in other regions such as Italy. Merlot wines are known for their smooth and round taste with aromas of dark fruits such as plums, blackberries, and cherries. The wines are often velvety and medium to full bodied.

Part of the grapes are dried on the vines before the harvest begins, another part is harvested when ripe and dried at controlled temperature and humidity. Typically, the harvest of Merlot grapes in Veneto begins in late September or early October. However, harvest dates may vary depending on the vineyard and the ripeness of the grapes. Cantine Riondo's experienced winemakers monitor the weather and carry out regular tastings to determine the best time for the harvest and ensure maximum quality of the grapes. Vinification then takes place using the "technology tank" system, where the skins and wine are continuously mixed with carbon dioxide to protect colour and tannins. The wine obtained is aged partly in steel and partly in large wooden barrels for twelve months.

The Casalforte Merlot Veneto IGT from Cantine Riondo is a ruby red structured wine that is intense and complex on the nose. The spicy and fruity notes dominate with hints of chocolate and black berries. The tannins are evident and give balance and finesse to this Merlot.

At a recommended drinking temperature of around 18 to 20°C, this Italian Merlot is ideal as an accompaniment to sausage-based appetizers and perfect with meat-based sauces, roasts, and game dishes. Red wine fans also drink this wonderful red wine neat.

General properties

• Vintage: 2020
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Veneto
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Cantine Riondo - Via Cappuccini 6 - Monteforte d'Alpone (VR) - Italia - +39 045 6104346
• Quality Designation: Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
• Grape: 100% Merlot
• Manufacturing: A part of the grapes is dried on the vine before the harvest begins, whereas another part is picked at maturation and dried under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity. The vinification takes place with the "technological tank" system where the grape skins and wine are continuously mixed by carbon dioxide force in order to extract color and tannins. The resulting wine is aged partly in stainless steel and partly in big wooden casks for 12 months.
• Sensory characteristics: The Casalforte Merlot shows intense scents of red fruits like blueberry and cherry, hints of chocolate and jam and pleasant spicy notes of clove and vanilla.
• Colour: Ruby red
• Alcohol content: 13.5 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 9.0 g/l
• Acid: 5.6 g/l
• Stopper: Natural cork
• How to serve: The soft tannins of this wine are a perfect match for pasta with rich sauces, grilled red meats and mature cheeses.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 18 and 20°C.
• Allergens: Contains sulfites
• EAN (bottle): 8001968004088
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres

Grape variety

MERLOT

The red grape variety MERLOT probably comes from the area around Bordeaux in what is now France. The fruits of the Merlot plant are large and deep blue in color with a thin skin. Merlot is considered one of the most undemanding grape varieties that is easy to cultivate and can also thrive in different climate zones. It ripens early and typically produces wines with a smooth, fruity character and full body. Merlot wines often have aromas of red and dark fruits such as cherry, blackberry and plum, along with subtle notes of spice and chocolate.

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