Italy
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In a good year, Italy is the world’s top wine-producing country by volume (with France also claiming that distinction at times), and has a rich winemaking history dating back to the 8th century BC. Greek colonists were the first to establish viticulture in Italy, and production later flourished with the rise of the Roman Empire. Today, Italy accounts for nearly a fifth of the world’s wine production, and the country’s diverse landscape and latitudinal range — from the Alps in the north to within a short nautical jaunt of Africa in the south — lends itself to a variety of different styles. Among Italy’s most-celebrated styles are Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti, made primarily with Sangiovese from the Tuscany region, and Barolo and Barbaresco from the Piedmont region, produced exclusively from Nebbiolo. Italy also produces some terrific whites. Besides Pinot Grigio, which is the most well-known and commercially successful white varietal from Italy, other grapes that stand out are Trebbiano, Verdicchio, Vernaccia and Moscato — the grape used in Italy’s most famous sparkling wine, Asti. |
Merlot
Top countries producing this wine: |
Merlot still suffers from the negative publicity it received in 2004 from the wine-themed movie Sideways. But even before that movie, Merlot had begun to be perceived as a beginner’s wine — soft and simple. We think that’s an unfair conclusion: inferior examples of Merlot are usually the result of overprinting in the wrong soil types rather than any intrinsic deficiencies in the grape. In fact, some of the most sought-after collectible wines are Merlot-based, including the great Bordeaux of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. A single bottle of the current vintage of Château Pétrus will fetch prices in the neighborhood of $4,000! How can one grape manifests itself as both wine plonk and memorable classics? Seemingly a wine paradox, Merlot’s identify crisis may be cleared up by this oft-repeated winemaker’s adage: The quality of the wine is directly proportional to the quality of the vineyards. Merlot is the second-most planted red wine grape in the world, so there is bound to be variation in quality. As with all grapes, location and the reputation of the winemaker are the two most important details when it comes to producing great wine. The characteristics that make Merlot a noble wine worthy of seeking out are its potential for aging, full, ripe berry flavors, plumy or fruitcake middle and, yes, that velvety, plush finish. |
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Bolla Merlot
2009 / 750 ml.
Italy | Veneto | Delle VenezieItem #31045Limited inventory.
11 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email. -
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Feudo Principi di Butera Calat Merlot
2000 / 750 ml.
Italy | Sicily | SiciliaItem #16374Limited inventory.
10 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email.




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