Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Just Me comes from a specially selected Merlot vineyard managed for very low yields. Vineyard and grape selection reduced production to 80–90 quintals per hectare, equivalent to 8–9 tonnes per hectare.
Grapes
100% Merlot.
Vinification
The fruit is harvested very late and by hand into wooden crates. Approximately half of the bunches are partially dried in a humidity-controlled room at ambient temperature. The remaining fruit is destemmed and fermented with its skins in stainless-steel tanks at approximately 23 °C. Maceration and fermentation take about 15 days. Natural malolactic fermentation follows and may begin during the initial fermentation stage. The fresh and dried portions are then recombined.
Ageing
The assembled wine matures for approximately 18 months in American-oak barriques, remaining in contact with the lees and receiving frequent bâtonnage. After bottling, it rests for at least two months before release. A special long-ageing DIAM composite cork is used, and the bottles are packed in six-bottle wooden cases.
Technical data
Production is approximately 10,000 bottles per year. Available formats are 750 ml and 1,500 ml.
Tasting profile
A complex, rich and full-bodied red whose weight is balanced by juiciness, freshness and an unexpectedly approachable character for a wine of this structure.
Serving and pairing
Serve at approximately 20–21 °C. Pair with beef, lamb or veal, particularly grilled steaks, rustic stews, wild boar, venison, goat goulash, braised short ribs and pot roast. It also accompanies pappardelle with hare, bigoli with duck, ostrich, pheasant, foie gras with fruit sauce and spiced chicken teriyaki. Mature and robust cheeses are appropriate, including Parmigiano Reggiano, Cimbro, Monte Veronese Ubriaco, Pecorino Vecchio and aged Gouda, as well as Gorgonzola, Stilton, Roquefort and Danish Blue.
Label / history
The project began with the 2003 vintage after an especially favourable year for long-lived red wines. Selection of a particular vineyard and progressively stricter selection of grapes on the vine established Just Me as the estate’s most important red. It is designed for prolonged ageing, though drinking it within 10 years of release preserves more of its freshness and vitality.
