This is from one of Italy’s premier winemakers with a small-yield vineyard located in Bolgheri next door to all the other great Super-Tuscan vineyards. Le Macchiole, “Messorio” 2007 (about $320) What Merlot pairs best with depends on the style of Merlot (which we will discuss). This is an excellent and affordable Italian Merlot that traditionally costs around $30 per bottle. Next update in 5 days. However, Merlot does appear in … Merlot, in turn, has clearly been rewarding for them, too (although it should be pointed out that the last time we ran this list, there were eight Italian entries). 4.6 out of 5 stars (44) 0 in trolley. Merlot is a varietal that contains at least 13.5% alcohol, but can approach 14.5%, especially when it is grown in a warmer climate such as Australia, California or Chile. It's a good mid-priced Merlot for about $50 per bottle. italy’s Best Merlot Wines Merlot is not a wine that readily comes to mind for most people when discussing Italian wines. Sangiovese is known for its high acidity, black cherry and strawberry flavors and medium tannins. The wine is aged for twenty to twenty-four months in barriques and an additional ten months in bottle prior to release for sale. If you're looking for an affordable, drink-it-now Italian Merlot in the $10 price range (this one is just over that price), then you may enjoy the Montresor Rustego Rosso. The grapes are harvested from 30-year-old vines in the prime Collio wine growing area of Friuli. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend from Tuscany that has an affordable release price point of around $50. Make sure you rate them and check the list every week. Avignonese, ”Desiderio” Cortona Merlot 2006 (about $50) Consumer reviews on Vivino give this wine 3.7 out of 5 stars, and those on Total Wine & More give it 5 out of 5 stars. A cru wine from the estate’s vineyards in the Collio area of Friuli. If you can't stretch to this price point Zenato Ripassa is known as "baby Amarone". The list of the world's best Merlots demonstrates something else, too. Since its first vintage in 1986, this wine has been a star in the Italian Merlot wine constellation and one of the world’s finest Merlot wines. Merlot haters, step aside. The lighter versions can even pair with rich shellfish like prawns, scallops, and lobster. A pure Merlot from a top producer in a classic vintage makes for a wine you won’t easily forget. The Best Merlot Under $20 - The 2020 Reverse Wine Snob Picks! Planeta, Merlot Sicilia 2005 (about $39) The most intense dry red in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy is amarone (the name means great bitter one). These big juicy beef patties are the best juicy hamburgers ever! Merlot Believe it or not, there aren't many red wines that would be considered the best wines to cook Italian Food with. Barbera almost always has a unique note of licorice in the taste, which is what makes it so unique. The wines are listed alphabetically by producer within each category. Today, this variety is more widely grown in central Italy, where vintners are creating some very balanced and more well respected wines. Castello Banfi, “Mandrielle” 2004 (about $32) Best Primitivo - Gianfranco Fino Es Primitivo di Manduria Primitivo is Italian Zinfandel , and the wines it produces are just as zippy and alcoholic as the California version. For reviews of some relatively inexpensive Super-Tuscan wines see Top Super-Tuscans. This gorgeous Merlot is from the Campania region’s premier wine estate probably best known for its initiatives with ancient native grape varieties. Simultaneously shunned and adored, it is used in some of the most expensive Bordeaux wines as well as some of the cheapest dollar bottles on the market. Older, richer bottles may need to decant longer. Merlot is not a wine that readily comes to mind for most people when discussing Italian wines. It is also one of the key blending grapes in Bordeaux wines, making it one of the most planted grapes in the world as well. The grapes are hand selected, traditionally vinified and barrique aged. Best Italian wines: A selection of the greatest Italy is home to myriad wine styles and thousands of native grape varieties, as well as top estates that often produce several different bottlings. The awards were announced at the Hotel Metropol in Zurich Tuesday 20 May. After opening a bottle of merlot, it’s best to let it aerate for at least 15 to 30 minutes. In fact, across vintages and critics, it receives an aggregate critics' score of a whopping 95 points, putting this soundly into the realm of a highly collectible wine. Merlot is Italy’s 5th most planted grape. The warm Puglian sun gives this Italian red plenty of dark, spicy richness. Merlot is widely grown throughout Italy, probably moreso than is commonly believed. Great Merlot at LCBO, BCLDB, and SAQ. Cabernet and Merlot red wines by Italo Cescon Winery are among the best Italian wines. But, if you want to drink like a real Italian, you might want to scope out the best Italian food and wine pairings before you hit that romantic restaurant in town. Tua Rita, “Redigaffi” 2008 (about $490) It has a small amount (5 percent) of Petit Verdot added. An impressive effort and great value wine from leading Italian winemaker Riccardo Cotarella. His Merlot wines win considerable praise but, unfortunately, not much finds its way to the U.S. Roberto Voerzio, Merlot Fontanazza 2005 (about $170) With a release price of around $100, it's a mid-priced to expensive yet consistent and highly acclaimed Italian Merlot. Sansonina, Merlot Veneto 2005 (about $36) But there’s more to Merlot than being smooth. Best Merlot at LCBO, BCLDB, and SAQ. Recipe: Italian Beef Sandwiches Pair with: A full-bodied red blend, preferably with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. These are the top 10 Merlots. Merlot Wine Taste Red fruits, easy tannins and a soft finish are the characteristics of Merlot wine. Pour merlot into a red By the 1990s there were more than 93,000 acres of Merlot wine in production in Italy. It's a Merlot-based blend with earthy plum flavors. Porchetta, a traditional Italian street food, is a moist and fatty fresh ham covered with skin that's heavily seasoned with salty garlic, rosemary, fennel and lemon. We constantly update new blogs every day to provide you with the most useful tips and reviews of a wide Castello della Regine, Merlot 2003 (about $60) Italian wines span an array of styles and classifications.While this can be somewhat confusing, it makes the exploration of the country's top wine regions very interesting. For example, the 2015 vintage received a 95-point rating for its dense flavors and powerful tannins that will allow the wine to age through 2040. A slow cooker can can take your comfort food to the next level. Product of Italy. That too has changed and today some of the world’s best pure Merlot wines now bear Italian labels. Want to see your favorites in the list? Merlot wines have a strong affinity for wood ageing which can augment the wine’s tannins and enhance the subtleties of the wine. The best Italian wines of the year cover everything from sparkling wines in Lombardia, Trentino and Veneto to whites from Friuli, Campania and Sicily to … The flavour is ample, with an elaborate bouquet, dominated by berries and shades of cherry. In the hands of a talented producer, Merlot can produce some simply stunning wines with concentrated aromas, good fruit and acidity and long, complex finishes. Why wasn't this page useful? There are so many bold, beautiful Italian wines that get big press, but Merlot holds its own. Livon, “Tiare Mate” Merlot 2005 (about $40) For example, the popular Italian blends with Bordeaux grapes and Sangiovese called Super Tuscans often contain Merlot, which has soft flavors and tannins that can temper more powerful grapes and lend softness and depth to the finished wine. I recently (pre-coronavirus social distancing) had the pleasure of tasting a number of Italian varietal Merlot wines. 4.6 out of 5 stars (44) Item price. One of these was the Merlot grape. Chateau Moulin La Bergère, St-Georges Saint-Emilion, French, Red Wine 75cl This intriguing wine is well worth the wait. Dominated almost entirely by Tuscans and Super Tuscans, this list really goes to show Italy rules the roost when it comes to great Merlot. Italian Merlot wine is an excellent choice for those who want an easy-drinking wine that pairs well with many dishes. La Pergola’s chief sommelier Marco Reitano—who this year received the title of best sommelier from Italy’s gourmet guide Identità Golose —is an expert among experts. After opening a bottle of merlot, it’s best to let it aerate for at least 15 to 30 minutes. Next update in 7 days Today there is a small renaissance among Italian winemakers who are embracing this grape and finally giving it its due moment in the sun. Want to see your favorites in the list? Award Winning Premium red wine with ruby reflections. Merlot has one of the widest ranges of styles of any red wine from the light, quaffable merlots of the Veneto to the grandest of Bordeaux. This is a fine effort by a producer in the Veneto. 2000 Sebastiani Sonoma County Merlot ($15) -- Delicious wine that's exactly what a Merlot should be. With his attentive vineyard management practices and low production, Roberto Voerzio exemplifies Italian winemaking at its finest. The La Pergola … Over 60% of the world’s Barbera vineyards exist in the region. Italian wine can be confusing but this is what happens when wine has been made in a place for hundreds and hundreds of years! Barbera almost always has a This elegant wine is difficult to find in the U.S. but worth the effort. Some recent top Italian Merlots include the following. Pure and pretty, impeccably made, it … If you’ve ever wondered what the best Italian wines are then take a look at our list below, drawn from our ever-growing database of wine reviews.  Despite its steep price tag it rates high on a quality-to-price basis and compares favorably with other even more expensive wines. However, Merlot wines are important and have been increasing in popularity with increased production of both Merlot blends and 100 percent Merlot wines. Since it is hard to find in the U.S., this is a wine to bring back with you on your next trip to the Piedmont region. Across vintages and critics, it receives an aggregate rating of 93 points, which shows consistency in the winemaking and grape growing process. Grape Variety: Merlot – IGT Wine What Is It About? Merlot is one of the most popular varietals in the world. Cesari, Due Torri Grave Merlot 2008 (about $9) A juicy merlot from a large family-owned winery in Chile’s Colchagua Valley where head winemaker, Nicolas Bizzari, ensures that only the best hand-picked grapes are selected. Italian Wines From bright, fresh Pinot Grigio to the deep reds of Barolo, Italy has something for everyone, especially given our great range of wines. This Merlot is also produced in Lazio. This is a 100 percent, single-vineyard Merlot from the Falesco estate in the Lazio region and is one of the Lazio region’s most famous wines. The Great Debate: What is the Future of Appellations? The Merlot grape is a bit of an enigma. ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – A Merlot from Frioul, Italy, won a great gold award, the top prize, at the Mondial des Merlots: Merlot Masut Da Rive 2009. Pour merlot into a red wine glass with a wider bowl and rim, which can level out any bitterness if it’s a bolder merlot. The merlot boom is perhaps best exemplified in California, where prior to 1970 no merlot was planted in the state and since 2010 holds 18,924 hectares. Over sixty percent of the wine grown in Italy is red wine. 6. 70,000 Acres – Piedmont – Barbera is the most produced Italian red wine of Piedmont. This substantial Merlot from one of Sicily’s premier wine estates was first produced in 1995. He's awarded recent vintages with 91 point ratings. For review of this wine see Falesco Merlot. Merlot grapes thrive in the Collio’s hilly terrain with its hot, sunny days and breezy, cool nights. Nice aroma of dark cherry, chocolate, vanilla and black plum with hints of bacon and sage. Celliers des Dauphins Merlot Grenache South of France 75cl. The Super Tuscan development was once seen as a shot in the arm for the Italian wine industry generally, but who would have thought that it would also provide a tonic to the reputation of one of France's great grape varieties? 2015 Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages ($12) An excellent vintage gave this basic wine depth and richness. This outstanding Merlot-based super-Tuscan wine from Avignonese includes 15 percent Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Avignonese's Cortona estate in eastern Tuscany. Barbera. Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, “Masseto” 2007 (about $450) Production stands at around 32,000 bottles a ear, about one-fifth as much as Ornellaia, and at about three times the price. Learn the basics to Merlot with this no-nonsense guide that discusses the wine's origins, flavor profile, food pairings and more. Recent Merlots from this producer release for between $150 and $200 per bottle. The wines on this list are the very best expressions of the variety. Within that context, Merlot is most often used as a blending grape with traditional Italian grapes such as Sangiovese. Cab and Merlot work well with fatty beef chuck, and the spicy fruit and herbs of Syrah to handle the San Giusto a Rentennano, “La Ricolma” 2008 (about $105) The Ten Best Italian Red Wines: A Beginner’s Guide. Wine Spectator rated the 2015 vintage 92 points and suggested it will be fabulous with some bottle age. Castello di Ama, “L’Apparita” 2006 (about $190) Feudi di San Gregorio, “Patrimo” 2006 (about $85) It's a great value for a decent wine. Try CHIETO Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon IGT Veneto. Poliziano is a family-owned estate outside Montepulciano and is one of Tuscany’s most celebrated wineries. Drink By: Typically best within the first 3 years. Italian Merlots go best with Italian foods such as tomato-based pasta, risotto, lasagna, and chicken braised in red wine. ©Richard Marcis Italian Merlot is an excellent food winethat pairs well with grilled meats, salmon, and mushroom dishes. When added to tannic and intense and/or acidic grapes, the Merlot can soften and add roundness and fruity aromas to the wine. Rioja, Spain - A cherry red colour suggests a vibrant Tempranillo wine. Falesco, “Montiano” 2006 (about $40) Year after year, this small production Merlot garners critical acclaim and is consistently awarded the prestigious Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso. The Merlot grape is a bit of an enigma. Italian Wines From bright, fresh Pinot Grigio to the deep reds of Barolo, Italy has something for everyone, especially given our great range of wines. Merlot wine reviews, Merlot wine notes, LCBO, BCLDB, and SAQ inventory availability and wine tasting notes for Merlot. Some Merlot is also planted in Umbria, Campania, Sicily and other regions. When tasting wine, follow these steps to ensure the best experience:Look: Take in the wine with your eyes, examining the color and opacity through the glass. Chianti, Amarone, Barolo, or Barbaresco: Italy offers a myriad of tasty choices. While Merlot has a  long history of use as a blending wine, pure Merlot wines have been relatively slow in gaining momentum in Italy. This is a 100% Merlot from Campania in Southern Italy. But, if you want to drink like a real Italian, you might want to scope out the best Italian food and wine pairings before you hit that romantic restaurant in town. ... Best Italian Juicy Hamburgers Pin for later. There’s also room to appreciate wines made from so-called international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, ... Best Buy. Although the Lugana zone is more famous for its white wines, the Sansonina estate has crafted this structured and elegant Merlot. It spends 22 months ageing in French oak barriques and an additional 6 months in the bottle. Produced from Merlot vines planted at the beginning of the 20th century in southern Umbria, this wine is aged in oak barriques for 12 months and then spends an additional two years in the bottle. The best way to find out when there are new articles about Best French Merlot on our site is to visit our homepage regularly. An old-fashioned, naturalist wine maker, Stanko Radikon is making some of the most unusual and sought-after wines in northeastern Italy’s Friuli region. I love making my grandma's and mom's recipe for Italian burgers. Price per unit (£5.89/75cl) Luis Felipe Edwards Bin Series Merlot 75cl. Poliziano, “In Violas” Cortona Merlot 2005 ($30) 100% Merlot from the Tenuta dell’Ornellaia stable in Bolgheri, owned by Marchesi de’Frescobaldi. Merlot can also produce a delightful and intriguing pure varietal wine. Fattoria Petrolo, “Galatrona” 2006 (about $95) Some of the world's wine critics are clearly underwhelmed by Merlot, given the comparatively lower scores than the corresponding lists for Bordeaux blends, Champagne and even Syrah. Italian Merlot is an excellent food wine that pairs well with grilled meats, salmon, and mushroom dishes. 70,000 Acres – Piedmont – Barbera is the most produced Italian red wine of Piedmont. The lighter versions can even pair with rich shellfish like prawns, scallops, and lobster. Villa Russiz, “Graf de la Tour” Merlot 2005 (about $70) Read our privacy policy for more about what we do with your data, as well as your rights … Tuscany certainly remains the centre of the universe for Italian merlot, with most of the best vines grown on the coast between the cities of Livorno and Grosseto. It is a variety that produces high yields and therefore usually makes it into some of the lesser priced wines. More fruit-forward Merlot goes best with chicken, turkey or pork , but it’s versatile enough it can even be paired with pizza and tomato-based pasta dishes. 1. Pricing varies wildly on secondary markets for this wine depending on available supply and demand, but bottles on secondary markets can cost as much as $200. This grape is particularly refined in the hillside region near Trento City, as well as in the Vallagarina Valley. Critics' scores for this Merlot tend to fall in the lower 90-point range, from around 90 to 92 points. One of the most important factors in producing a quality Italian Merlot wine is to ensure that there is a harmonious relationship between the grape and its terroir. You'll find bottles of the Gianfranco Fino Es Primitivo di Manduria from Puglia in the $60 to $90 range, and the aggregate rating of 91 points shows this winemaker's consistency from year to year. Truthfully, most Italian food will pair well with any bottle of wine. The best food pairings for different styles of merlot Light, quaffable merlots Tend to work with dishes with which you might otherwise drink a gamay or a sangiovese: Pizza and other toasted cheese dishes such as panini and quesadillas Pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, especially with pancetta/bacon or mushrooms To read this blog, you have to be registred Create an account. Both the standard Amarone and the Sergio Zenato Riserva are consistently superb year on year. Italian Spanish Malbec Merlot Other Red Other White Pinot Noir Pinot Grigio Sauvignon Blanc Syrah Zinfandel Top Picks Forums Features Best of the Year Our Books Decoding Spanish Wine: A Beginner’s Guide to the High All Rights Reserved. Many Italian wines contain Merlot, both in blends and as a varietal. Today, Merlot is the fifth most widely planted grape in Italy. By browsing this site you accept cookies used to improve and personalise our services and marketing, and for social activity. The high acidity of the wine works well with the high acidity of the food making it one of the best red wines to pair with Italian food. The Estate Merlot was made from a blend of juice from 50 different vineyards, from Carneros to Castiloga, all fermented separately. Italian Merlots go best with Italian foods such as tomato-based pasta, risotto, lasagna, and chicken braised in red wine. In a country populated with hundreds of different indigenous wine varieties and numerous attention-getting and popular wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello and Chianti Classico, to name a few, Italian Merlot doesn’t rise to the level of wide popular recognition. Merlot has been growing in popularity alongside Italy's more well-known wines and grapes such as Chianti and Barolo. Our 22 Best Crock Pot and Slow-Cooker Recipes Looking to amp up your beef stew but unsure where to start? Falesco, 2009 Merlot Umbria (about $16) £5.89. Top 5 Merlot at LCBO, BCLDB, and SAQ. Italian Red Wines. Italian Red Wines from Maremma... the best Italian wines Italian red wines from Maremma in Tuscany and Lazio are some of the very best Italian wines.Not only because winemakers in Maremma have centuries of experience upon which to draw: wine has been made and sought after from here since Etruscan times when it was imported across Europe. It’s actually a bit of a chameleon, partly because of how Merlot is vinified and mostly because of where it’s grown. This Merlot from the Sant’Antimo appellation in Tuscany is another winner from Banfi’s extensive line-up of wines. The orange rim is the telltale sign of Merlot vs. Cabernet Sauvignon. Shop for the best selection of Best Brands Of Merlot Wine at Total Wine & More. This may well be Italy’s best Merlot wine. With regard to just pure Merlot wines, the styles of wines produced run the gamut from full-bodied, oaky, international-style wines to those that are varietally pure and silky smooth with soft textures and classic Merlot flavors. This Merlot is from one of the Collio’s most respected producers. It also won the prizes for the best wine of … Make sure you rate them and check the list every week. Thus, wine makers must ensure that they are pruning their vines with great care. September 2, 2011. However, other excellent merlot-based reds are surfacing in select spots in Italy, such as Friuli-Venezia near the city of Trieste in the North, and near Palermo in Sicily. Molvina Wine - Aged in oak barrels for up to 60 months: its ageing gives this wine an unmistakable aroma, the scent is persistent with an aftertaste of vanilla, plum and red berry fruits. Be notified of our next blog posts! We bring our traditional recipes and Northern Italian cuisine to offer our guests the best Northern Italian … Most red wines are loaded with tannins, which in turn can harm the texture of food. Bollini, Merlot Trentino 2009 (about $14) This is a completely organic Merlot from the Veneto. Nice aroma of dark cherry, chocolate, vanilla and black plum with hints of … Merlot haters, step aside. Best Juicy Merlot Hamburgers Thursday, February 1, 2018. 1. Older, richer bottles may need to decant longer. Piedmont Tuscany Chianti Gavi Barolo I love Italian red wines, Amarone is a particular favourite of mine, especially the Amarones from Zenato. In a country populated with hundreds of different indigenous wine varieties and numerous attention-getting and popular wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello and Chianti Classico, to name a few, Italian Merlot doesn’t rise to the level of wide popular recognition. It's a softer red wine grape that works well both in Italian red wine blends and as a varietal. When made well, Merlot wine is soft and velvety with an overnote of plum and very few tannins. Plenty of people buy Merlot, including American-made Merlot, the kind Miles from Sideways hates.

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