Le Merle Merlot Valle d`Aosta DOP

A Merlot that surprises: From the Valle d'Aosta, one of Italy's coolest and smallest wine regions, comes a red wine with real depth and remarkable drinkability.

The Valle d'Aosta is nestled between Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn – viticulture under alpine conditions, on terraces and steep slopes that give the vines plenty of sun during the day and cool temperatures at night. These temperature differences are what give the Merlot its freshness and tension, which are rarely known from warmer growing regions.

On the nose, dark plum, wild cherry, lavender, and dried spices appear. The aging of 18 months in French barriques lays a subtle wood spice underneath without masking the fruit. On the palate, supple tannin, a present but well-integrated acidity, and a remarkable length on the finish – unusually dense for a Merlot from this altitude.

• Temperature: 16–18 °C
• Food: Leg of lamb with rosemary, mature Pecorino, mushroom risotto, or wild game ragù