Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The vineyards are planted on terraces along gentle hillsides at 400 m above sea level in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a region of coastal plains, mountains and plateaus. The Alps protect the area, which borders Austria and Slovenia, from harsh, cold winds. The Adriatic Sea cools the summer heat and moderates sharp changes in winter temperatures. Sea breezes move north towards the hills at dawn and return south towards the coast in the evening, helping to limit fungal diseases and maintain healthy vines. Rainfall is generally heavy but brief, while the climate is bright and sunny, providing suitable conditions for grapes to ripen with juiciness and aromatic intensity.
Vinification
The Merlot is picked by hand at peak ripeness, with the bunches harvested as whole clusters. The grapes are dried for three weeks until raisined, then destemmed and fermented in oak barrels for 25 days.
Ageing
The wine matures in barriques for around 16 months, with 50% new wood. Bâtonnage is performed every 90–100 days.
Label / history
Before establishing the Fantinel family business in Friuli, owner Mario Fantinel ran several hotels and restaurants. His eventual desire to work with the land led him to wine production.
