Poggio ai Merli 2013 Toscana IGT - Castellare di Castellina

Poggio ai Merli 2013 – Castellare di Castellina

Castellare di Castellina is Paolo Panerai's estate in Castellina in Chianti, known for its defence of native grapes and for labels devoted to birds, a different species each year. Poggio ai Merli is the house's international exception: a pure Merlot, named after the blackbirds (merli).

The Merlot comes from Castellare's vineyards on the hills of Castellina and after vinification ages in French oak barriques, then rests in bottle. It is made in limited quantities and has always been, together with the Sangiovese I Sodi di San Niccolò, the estate's most prized wine.

2013, a cool, classic vintage in Tuscany, produced a Merlot that is more elegant than opulent: plum, berries, cocoa, tobacco and liquorice, with silky tannins and lovely freshness, now enriched by the first signs of evolution. Try it with fillet steak, duck or aged cheeses; one of the historic Merlots of Chianti Classico.

At a glance: Merlot 100% · 14% ABV · 0.75 l · Castellare di Castellina, Castellina in Chianti