Visintini 'Palmira' - Merlot - Rosso

2021

Merlot

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

Where the Gramogliano Castle once stood in the hills to the south of the Friuli Collie Orientali DOC, now sits the Visintini family vineyard and winery. Though the castle may be lost to time, the Visintinis still use the 13th century cellar to age their wine. Domenico Visintini, great-grandfather of the current owners, purchased the estate in 1884, but it was his son Umberto who began farming the land in 1915. Each subsequent generation has carried on the traditions of the previous ones while building the business into a certified organic & biodynamic winery. Named for one of Domenico's great-grandchildren, the Palmira Merlot grows in gravel soils at 200m above sea level. Minimal intervention is the family winemaking philosophy in order to keep the focus on the fresh fruit flavors and aromas of the wine. The grapes are manually harvested & macerated in concrete tanks. Fermentation & aging takes place in stainless steel tanks. The finished product is a wine with aromas of ripe, red fruit and forest berries, and flavors of red cherries mixed with cocoa nibs and a savory touch of sweet tobacco. Pair with roast pork or poultry.