Grape blend: Merlot
Aged: 12 months in casks and in tonneaux
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Acidity: 5 g/l
Residual sugars: 0.54 g/l
The Osteria vineyard covers a few hectares of land at the foot of the Fattoria’s hills, and this location on the plain influences the characteristics of the wine. The Merlot grapes are normally the first red ones to be harvested, and their early ripening means that they reach very high concentrations of both sugar and polyphenols. In this Merlot from La Vialla, emphasis has been put on balance, a key characteristic in a red wine appreciated for its elegance and agreeability, not too “muscular” but harmonious and full-bodied, from a vineyard that was planted in 2001 and is now fully mature. The hot 2024 season, with frequent rainfall in September, gave us firm bunches with thick skins. Fermentation carried out at 23 °C, which is cooler than usual, kept the fruity aromas intact. After eighteen days of maceration, with frequent pumping over, the wine aged for a year in 50 hl casks and in tonneaux containing 500 litres. Unfiltered, smooth and silky, its appeal is evident from the very first sip.
Tasting – Colour: ruby red, not particularly intense but with lively and brilliant nuances. The nose: the bouquet has a delicate but rich impact, red fruit, forest floor, blueberry and dog rose, plum and just a hint of vanilla. In the mouth: softness and silkiness prevail, with dense but sweet tannins. The wood is discrete, leaving room for red fruit, with a harmonious finish and an aftertaste that is both full and delicate.
Wine and Food Pairing – Despite its origins this Merlot doesn’t miss French cuisine... in fact, it feels at home in Italy – and in Tuscany! – from an aperitivo (maybe with a nice board of cold cuts and cheeses) to first courses such as pici with meat ragu, spaghetti with “Sugo alla Salsiccia” (sauce with Tuscan pork sausage), or porcini mushroom risotto. It’s perfect with barbecued meat, both white and red, but it also holds its own with stronger flavours such as game.