Merlot Vigne Cinquant'anni

Vineyard and terroir

The fruit comes from the estate’s oldest vines on the eastern hills of Friuli. The vineyards have a continental climate and mineral-rich Flysch rock soils, known as Ponca in the Friulano dialect.

Vinification

The grapes are selected and harvested by hand into small crates at optimal ripeness, usually in mid-September. They macerate for 20 days in cone-shaped wooden vats and open tonneaux. During the first two days, the cap is managed with regular manual punch-downs, délestage and remontage. Pressing separates the juice from the skins; the juice then settles for 24 hours before transfer to new barriques. Malolactic fermentation follows.

Ageing

The wine matures for 18 months in wooden barrels and a further two months in a large vat. After bottling, it rests for two years in the winery’s cellars before release.

Tasting profile

Elegant and powerfully structured, with a rich taste and a long-lasting character. It is already powerful and memorable when young and opens further with time.

Label / history

The Vigne 50 Anni range was first released in the late 1990s, when the vines were 50 years old, which gave the range its name. The original name was retained as the vines grew older.