REDISCOVERING MERLOT
In the 1940s, winemakers realized that the well-drained, gravelly, sandy soils in the coastal region of Tuscany, Bolgheri, resembled those of Bordeaux. They thought that this characteristic, combined with the proximity to the sea and cooling breezes, would make this region a good home for Bordeaux grape varieties such as Merlot — and they were right. This was the beginning of the “Super Tuscan” wines from Tuscany that are made from Bordeaux grapes, blended with the local Sangiovese. Merlot, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, are some of the most planted grape varieties in Tuscany now. These Super Tuscans are often rich, full-bodied wines with well- integrated tannins. As in Bordeaux, Merlot offers a softness and plush red fruit quality to the wines. Some of the most famous examples are Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia and Masseto, with the latter actually being 100 per cent Merlot. Merlot is making beautiful wines in other areas of the world as well. The Okanagan is bottling rich, fruity single varietal Merlot. Chile is making ripe, approachable Merlot and often blending it with Cabernet Sauvignon or local Carmenere, for which it was mistaken for years. Merlot has gained popularity in Australia as well, where it is either blended or bottled on its own. Premium examples from relatively cooler regions of Australia show a surprising amount of complexity and ageability.
TENUTA FRESCOBALDI DI CASTIGLIONI TOSCANA IGT The nose is marked by appealing, fragrant fruit such as wild blackberry, black cherry and strawberry, which shade into toastier notes of cocoa powder, roast espresso, tobacco leaf and vanilla. Impressively full bodied, the palate shows warm, smooth and well-rounded.
VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA IGT
Colour: intense ruby red. Aroma: intense and complex with notes of spices, mint and chocolate, which are particularly felt along with light aromas of ripe cherries. On the palate, the wine is savoury, full-bodied and round with supple and velvety tannins and a long finish.
Italy Alc 13%
Italy Alc 13%
18 SAVOUR MANITOBA | FALL 25
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