(Merlot Ain’t a Homie)
Technical Information
Classification: Alentejo Regional Wine
Type: Red
Year: 2020
Alcohol: 13.6%
Grape Varieties: Merlot
pH: 3.75
Production: 2660 wax-plated bottles to be released in December 2023.
Concept
A foreign grape variety in an unusual stage of growth was the challenge this Merlot plot has sent us. Because we cherish what is ours, the worth of certain foreign grape varieties becomes evident in our terroir, which has embraced them gratefully.
“Joy in departure, as longing is for those who remain.”
In the Vineyard
Located in Lavre and 8 years old.
The Mediterranean climate provides a high temperature range, and the clay to sand transition soils, typical of this end of the Alentejo, mean that, despite its low productivity, delivers ideal conditions for ripening with great aromatic expression and freshness retention.
Harvested by hand from this plot, transported to the winery in small 12 kg boxes.
Productivity: 5000kg/Ha.
In the Cellar
The bunches selected in the vineyard are destemmed and transported by gravity to a small Lagar where it ferments at a controlled temperature for 7 to 10 days. After alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation follows, during a couvesion of approximately 15 days.
Ageing
12 months in used French oak barrels and 11 months in bottle.
Winemaker's Note
The unforeseen surprised us in the cellar. Wine made from the leftovers of what didn't fit in the stainless steel, was left in a corner waiting for better days. And that day came, alright. Freshness with volume and the imposition of black fruit. The merlot is not from around here, but how suitable was the punishment it received.
Winemaker
Paolo Nigra.
