THE WINE

The “Tiare Blu” wine from the Livon winery is part of the Gran Cru line of the winery and comes from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. In the Friulian language, tiare blu means blue earth. The soil of these vineyards is rich in Eocene marl; in sunlight, the ground looks blue.

We are in Ruttars in the Municipality of Dolegna del Collio near Gorizia in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Right in the heart of the DOC Collio, the soil rich in marl and clay (here they call it Ponca), the climate with its temperature ranges and the Alps that protect the territory make this area one of the most suitable for cultivation of grapes especially of white berried vines.

THE WINEMAKING

The grape harvest is rigorously manual; the grapes are placed in small boxes to minimize the time between the harvest and the arrival in the cellar. Winemaking begins with destemming; the fermentation on the skins at a controlled temperature of 20°C lasts about eighteen days. The wine then ages in oak barrels for about 18 months, and after the final blending and bottling, the wine rests for a long time in the cellar before being placed on the market.

THE TASTING

Ruby red with garnet hues; the aroma is intense and elegant with pleasant notes of red fruit such as raspberry and blackberry, which alternate with spicy tobacco and leather notes. Dry on the palate, this wine from the Livon winery is well structured and harmonious with well-smoothed tannins and a pleasant savoury note; persistence is also excellent.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Excellent with red meat, game, also with hard cheeses. Try it with braised meat.