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Merìa wine — Bell'Aja winery — Dionysus
RedBolgheriDOC

Merìa

by Bell'Aja · Tuscany, Italy

Appellation
BolgheriDOC
Type
Red
Grapes
100% Cabernet Franc
Vineyard
La Badia, Castagneto Carducci (Livorno)
Line
Bell'Aja
Vintages
2022
Bell'AjaTuscany, Italy

About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

The Cabernet Franc comes from La Badia in Castagneto Carducci, Livorno. Its roots grow in the silty-loam soil characteristic of the La Badia area. The vines are trained to a spurred-cordon system. Proximity to the coast exposes the site to sea breezes, which contribute to the wine’s Mediterranean, balsamic character, freshness and savoury profile.

Grapes

100% Cabernet Franc.

Vinification

The grapes were harvested in the third week of September. Fermentation and maceration lasted a combined 25 days.

Ageing

The wine matured for 18 months in French oak barrels.

Technical data

Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC, 2022. Alcohol is 14% vol., total acidity 6.0 g/L and residual sugar 0.5 g/L. Production comprised 1,500 bottles in 0.75 L format. The expected cellaring window is 8–10 years.

Tasting profile

Deep ruby red. The bouquet combines forest fruits with fresh balsamic tones and a light spicy accent. On the palate, the tannins are velvety and persistent, accompanied by a balanced impression of sweetness. Minerality and savouriness bring lively freshness. The overall profile is deep and elegant, balancing an enveloping structure with freshness and drinkability.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 18 °C.

Vintage notes

Bolgheri experienced a mild, almost rainless winter in 2022. Dry conditions continued through much of the summer, accelerating the vine’s development up to veraison. Thunderstorms between mid-August and early September supplied the water needed to complete ripening. Limited vegetative growth and the late-summer rain produced balanced grapes with good acidity and ripe, soft tannins. Harvest activity across the estate continued throughout September; the Cabernet Franc for Merìa was picked in the third week.

Label / history

The name Merìa means “shade,” evoking a cool refuge touched by the sea breeze. The image reflects the wine’s coastal origins and its combination of Mediterranean warmth, balsamic character, intensity and freshness.