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Merlot Friuli DOC Grave
Merlot is a dark grape originally from the Gironde-Bordeaux. It is first described in the varieties collection of the Jardin du Luxembourg in 1789.
Later there are references which identify Merlot amongst the "crus" of the Medoc, together with Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The first news of its cultivation in Italy goes back to the second half of the nineteenth century, as witnessed by the ampelographic collection of the Viticulture and Enology school of Conegliano of around 1880. Many people associate it with the arrival of Napoleon's troops: in Friuli, it was first planted at San Giorgio della Richinvelda and Fagagna, thanks to the interest of the senator Pecile.
Tasting Notes
It has a fairly strong ruby red colour, slightly garnet if aged.
A strong bouquet, sometimes with a winey feel, Merlot produces notes of dark-fleshed fruit such as plums, blackberries and blueberries, blackcurrants and sour cherries.
The tasting quality of Merlot is reflected in its softness and a roundness which comes from its tannins which are not particularly aggressive. They are soft wines, pure, deep, sweet and pleasant.
Merlot Friuli DOC Grave
When to drink
Merlot is a versatile wine: when young it has a lower alcohol content and can be drunk with any meal, together with first courses (risottos and pastas), with meat sauces; or with red and white meats (pork, veal, rabbit and poultry), with dishes based on game and mushrooms (porcini), or semi-matured cheese.