About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
MGA Meriame lies on the left-hand ridge of the hill climbing toward Serralunga d’Alba and takes its name from the locality. The MGA covers 17.1392 ha; Casa E. di Mirafiore owns 7,718 m², planted down the line of maximum slope. The vineyard stands at 335 m a.s.l. Its exposure is predominantly south-west, turning south briefly near Cascina Meriame.
The deep, medium-textured soil combines sand, silt and clay. The vineyard was established in 1999 and is divided equally between CN36 in the upper section and CN230 below. Both clones were developed in the 1980s and produce medium-sized bunches, contributing elegance and finesse.
The estate vineyard is certified organic. Spontaneous vegetation under and between the rows is controlled by periodic mowing. Estate-derived organic matter is incorporated annually before autumn dormancy. Planting density is 4,000–5,000 vines/ha and the vines are Guyot trained.
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand around mid-October and transported in small perforated baskets. They are immediately destemmed but not crushed, then placed in 500-litre oak barrels for whole-berry fermentation. Once the cap reaches the top of the barrel and firms as alcoholic fermentation begins, periodic gentle manual punching down keeps the skins wet and supports the extraction of colour and other desirable compounds.
The wine is racked a couple of days after fermentation ends, separating it from the skins. Following several days of settling to remove coarse solids, it is decanted and returned to its fermentation barrels for malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
Maturation begins with approximately two years in 500-litre tonneaux, continues for 8–10 months in ceramic amphora and concludes in bottle, where the wine waits until ready to drink.
Technical data
The 2020 vintage has 15% alcohol and a production of 700 bottles. The vineyard is certified organic; the wine also carries Equalitas and Vegan certifications.
Tasting profile
Garnet red with a light ruby rim. The intense, enveloping nose centres on deep cherry, with a background ranging from citrus to rhubarb. Fresh and balanced on the palate, it has silky, medium-weight tannins, ample volume and pronounced fruit. Its structure is suited to long maturation.
