MONREALE MERLOT D.O.C.

The Merlot grape is a close cousin to in many respects.  It is lower in tannins and makes wines that mature faster and are softer in texture.  Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in order to soften the blend. At its best, Merlot makes a wine that is dry, rich in flavor and smooth as it finishes in your throat. At its worst, Merlot makes wine that is dry but thin in taste and texture, and not very pleasant to consume. Most of what you will come across are likely to be of pretty good quality.
Merlot is able to mature in regions that are cooler than those required for Cabernet Sauvignon.  Merlot is more susceptible to fungus and mold diseases and therefore a bit harder to grow.  Merlot varies widely in quality around the world depending on location and producer.  This variety was first known for its success in the and areas of .  is the stellar example of fine Merlot.
Merlot usually has ripe berry components in the bouquet.  Its wines tend to be soft, fruity and smooth in texture.  Select Merlots can have long aging potential but most are ready to consume in 4 to 8 years. Merlot is usually bottled in a Bordeaux (high shouldered) bottle.
Merlot is enjoying a surge in popularity and additional acreage is being planted in many major producing regions.  It came to California in the mid-1860s and has become one of the most popular wines since its surge in popularity in the 1990s.

While its flavor profile is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot tends to be less distinctive and slightly more herbaceous overall in both aroma and taste. Ripeness seems critical; both under ripe and overripe grapes lean away from fruit and towards herbaceousness.

Earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon to mature in bottle, Merlot is held in higher esteem by wine drinkers than by wine collectors.
Syrah is richer and darker, Pinot Noir lighter and more velvety, but Merlot has become the darling red wine. Is it because the consumer finds Merlot easy-to-drink or is it perhaps because Merlot is easy-to-say? I'll have a glass of Merlot, please, while I think about it.

Merlot is a close cousin to the with a slightly lower natural acidity and generally less astringency, therefore presenting a more lush presence in the mouth. Accordingly, our Montreal Merlot grapes are hand-picked and stored in wooden crates in order for them to reach the maximum level of quality.

Dark red in color, our dry Sicilian Merlot presents a rich, intense floral bouquet, while remaining well structured and harmonic. It pairs well with first courses such as beef ragù', game, stuffed eggplants and peppers, and meatballs with red sauce. It is also a good match for matured cheeses.

Area of Production: Hills of Monreale (Sicily-Italy)
Location of Vineyards: 350 Slm
Grape: 100% Merlot
Nature of Soil: Clayey and calcareous
Vineyard Exposure: Southwest

Vintage Time: Last ten days of August
Winemaking: Pressing and delestage
Fermentation: Under controlled temperature
Refinement: Steel container, bottle and 8 months in oak barrels

Alcoholic Content: 14.0% Alc. by Vol.
Total Acidity: 5,50 grams per liter
Sugar Residue: Traces
Dry Extract: 31,00

Bottling: Historical Bordelaise and natural cork
Characteristics: Dark red color; floral bouquet of violet and dark berries with hints of vanilla; full-bodied, dry and contracted with a somewhat long finish
Serving Temperature: 18°C or 63°F
Preferred Serving: Large glass