About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Maurus 2022 is a dry red from the Maurus vineyard in Friuli Isonzo Rive Alte, at Mariano del Friuli. The 2.15 ha of producing vineyard lies at 31–32 m, with North–South and East–West exposures. The vines averaged 25 years of age, were spur-pruned and planted at 6,000–6,200 vines/ha, with layouts of 2.40 × 0.70 m and 1.90 × 0.80 m. The moderately deep soils contain abundant gravel and pebbles and range from sandy-silt to clay-silt. Their reddish colour derives from iron and aluminium oxides; drainage is good and water-retention capacity is low. Yield was 6,425 kg/ha, or 1.04 kg per vine.
Grapes
100% Merlot.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested on 5 October 2022, destemmed and crushed, then cold settled before fermentation. Selected yeasts were used in stainless-steel vats, with fermentation lasting ten days at 18–30°C. Skin contact continued for 22 days with punch-downs and délestage. Malolactic fermentation was completed.
Ageing
The wine matured for 14 months in barrels, followed by eight months in stainless steel until natural clarification. It was bottled on 10 January 2024 and aged in bottle for 32 months.
Technical data
Alcohol is 13.98%, total acidity 5.64 g/L and pH 3.65. Estimated peak maturity is six years, with an estimated cellar life of 14 years. Formats are 750 ml and 1.5 L magnum.
