Merlot Novaline Riserva (2001)

About this wine

This Merlot from Trentino presents a deep ruby red color. On the nose, it offers aromas of black cherry, plum, and subtle spice notes. The palate is full-bodied, with flavors of dark berries and a hint of black pepper. The tannins are well-structured, providing a balanced and smooth finish. This wine reflects the unique terroir of Trentino, known for producing elegant and expressive Merlots.

About the grape

Merlot, originally from Bordeaux, France, was introduced to Italy in the late 19th century, initially thriving in regions like Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. In Trentino, Merlot adapted well to the region's varied topography and climate, particularly in hillside vineyards with rocky, gravelly soils at elevations of 200-300 meters. The grape's early ripening and preference for rich, fertile soils made it suitable for Trentino's conditions, where it is often cultivated using both Pergola and Guyot training systems to optimize sun exposure and ventilation. Over time, Merlot has become a significant component of Trentino's viticulture, contributing to both varietal wines and blends, and showcasing the region's ability to produce elegant, medium-bodied wines with characteristics of black cherries, spices, and tobacco.

Quick facts

• 🏰 The Novaline Merlot Trentino Riserva is produced by Cantina Sociale di Trento, a cooperative winery in Trentino, Italy, known for its dedication to quality and tradition.
• 🍇 This wine is crafted exclusively from Merlot grapes, a variety that originated in France and is celebrated for its smooth, velvety texture and rich fruit flavors.
• 🍷 The Novaline Merlot Trentino Riserva undergoes a meticulous aging process, resulting in a wine with a deep ruby-red color and complex aromas of red fruits and spices.
• 🌄 The vineyards for this wine are located in the Novaline valley, south of Trento, an area historically renowned for producing exceptional Merlot wines.
• 🥂 The 2001 vintage of this wine has been noted for its impressive evolution in the glass, offering a harmonious balance of fruit and spice, with a persistent finish.

Palate profile

Producer

Concilio, one of Trentino's oldest and most esteemed wineries, traces its origins to 1860 when Angelo Grigolli began producing wine in the village of Mori, Italy. Over the years, the company expanded, and in 1972, it merged with Cantina Boschi & Gamberoni, adopting the name Concilio. A significant transformation occurred in 1990 with the inclusion of various cooperatives, notably the Le Meridiane winery, enhancing both production capacity and diversity. Today, Concilio coordinates approximately 400 family-run vineyards across Trentino, producing around six million bottles annually, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and sustainability. The winery is renowned for its dedication to indigenous grape varieties like Marzemino and Teroldego, as well as its production of the prestigious Trento DOC sparkling wine.