THE WINE
The Merlot wine from the Ronco Severo winery comes from 100% Merlot grapes grown in the vineyards owned by the winery. We are in Prepotto, in the Collio DOC in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The vineyards are approximately 150 meters above sea level; here, the soil is rich in “Ponca” i.e. marl and sandstone.
This Merlot is the first wine produced by Stefano Novello when his father, Severo, handed over the winery to him. As Stefano says this is “the new growing from the old roots”. Stefano Novello’s philosophy is to respect nature, both in the vineyard and in the cellar; there is no use of chemical.
THE WINEMAKING
The grapes are harvested strictly by hand, the harvest occurs in late September to allow the grapes to ripen perfectly. Once in the cellar, winemaking begins with destemming. The must ferments on the skins in oak vats with frequent punching down and the sole use of indigenous yeasts. After soft pressing, the wine ages for 24 months in 2225 liter french barriques. Between August and September, when the moon is waning, takes please the blending and bottling without filtration. The wine rests for a few more months in the cellar to rest before being placed on the market.
THE TASTING
Intense ruby red. The aroma is elegant; with pleasant hints of red fruits that alternate with spicy notes and floral scents of rose to finish with puffs of undergrowth. Rich and full-bodied and perfectly balanced on the palate, fresh with silky and well-integrated tannins. The finish is very long and persistent. It is a Bordeaux-style wine that does not fear the passage of time. We had the honor of tasting a 1994 bottle and, it was perfect.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Excellent with game, red meat and hard cheeses. Try it with Bolognese sauce.