Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
La Ricolma comes from estate vineyard zones considered particularly well suited to Merlot. Yield in 2022 was 0.9 kg per vine.
Grapes
100% Merlot.
Vinification
The grapes are picked by hand at full ripeness, later than is customary locally. Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks. The 2022 technical sheet records 15 days of fermentation and skin maceration; the general production description gives approximately 18 days before racking and pressing. Malolactic fermentation occurs spontaneously.
Ageing
After an initial racking from the lees, the 2022 wine matured for 22 months in 225-litre French-oak barrels from Allier and Nevers. The general production description gives a range of 20–22 months in French-oak barriques. Further maturation in bottle follows. The 2022 was bottled on 24 January 2025, received one light filtration and may develop natural sediment.
Technical data
The 2022 has 14.5% alcohol, total acidity of 6.50 g/L, volatile acidity of 0.56 g/L, pH 3.33, residual sugar below 1 g/L and net dry extract of 32.3 g/L. Production comprised 4,752 bottles of 750 ml, 250 bottles of 1,500 ml and 30 bottles stated as 300 ml.
Tasting profile
The 2022 is medium in concentration, with particularly intense fruit.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 17–18°C. The recommended drinking period is 2025–2034 and beyond.
Vintage notes
Spring and the first part of summer 2022 were hot and dry through 12 August. Subsequent storms and cooler air rapidly relieved water stress and restored vine activity. The harvest period was sunny, without heavy rain or excessive temperature swings.
Label / history
The first bottled vintage was 1993.
