Merlot Friuli Colli Orientali 2018 – Le Due Terre

In the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where the lush hills of the Colli Orientali nurture vines with their fertile soils and a climate kissed by both Alpine coolness and Adriatic warmth, the Merlot Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2018 by Le Due Terre stands as a testament to the harmony between land and vine. This wine encapsulates not just the essence of its varietal but also the spirit of a region renowned for its viticultural excellence. The 2018 vintage from Le Due Terre, a winery revered for its commitment to terroir-driven expressions and artisanal winemaking, showcases Merlot in a light that captures the imagination and tantalizes the palate, offering a narrative of place, tradition, and meticulous craftsmanship.

The Colli Orientali del Friuli, with its complex mosaic of soils—from marl and sandstone to clay and limestone—under the nurturing warmth of the sun and the moderating breezes from the Adriatic, provides a cradle for the Merlot grape to develop its full aromatic and flavor potential. The region’s unique microclimate, characterized by significant diurnal temperature variations, ensures the slow maturation of grapes, preserving their acidity and fostering the development of nuanced flavors. This delicate balance between warmth and coolness is instrumental in crafting wines of depth, complexity, and elegance—qualities that are vividly embodied in the Merlot Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2018.

Le Due Terre approaches winemaking with a philosophy that marries respect for nature with minimal intervention. The estate’s vineyards are tended with organic practices, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability and the expression of pure, unadulterated terroir. The 2018 vintage was particularly auspicious, marked by favorable weather conditions that allowed for an optimal ripening of the Merlot grapes. Handpicked with discerning precision, the fruit was harvested at the pinnacle of its maturity, promising a wine of exceptional balance and expressive depth.

In the cellar, the winemaking process is characterized by a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation. The Merlot grapes undergo fermentation with indigenous yeasts, a testament to Le Due Terre’s dedication to capturing the authentic essence of the varietal and its terroir. Aging in French oak barrels is judiciously managed, ensuring that the wood complements rather than overshadows the intrinsic qualities of the wine. This careful, respectful approach to vinification results in a Merlot that is both complex and harmoniously integrated, with the oak imparting subtle notes of spice and texture that enhance the wine’s natural character.

Upon pouring, the Merlot Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2018 reveals a deep, ruby hue, inviting the senses to delve into its rich aromatic profile. The nose is greeted with an intricate bouquet of ripe red and black fruits—cherries, plums, and blackberries—enveloped in layers of cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of earthiness, reflecting the varietal’s lush, velvety nature. Floral notes and a whisper of herbaceousness add freshness and complexity, painting a vivid olfactory landscape.

The palate is met with a wine of exceptional elegance and body, where the lush fruit flavors are beautifully balanced by refined tannins and a vibrant acidity. This textural finesse, combined with the wine’s depth of flavor, culminates in a lingering finish that echoes the nuances of fruit, spice, and terroir. The Merlot Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2018 is a reflection of Le Due Terre’s artisanal ethos, offering a wine that is both a pleasure to drink and a profound expression of the Colli Orientali del Friuli’s viticultural heritage.

In essence, this Merlot is not merely a beverage; it is an experience, an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s wine tradition. It stands as a testament to the potential of the Merlot grape when nurtured in an environment that emphasizes harmony with nature, careful cultivation, and winemaking that respects the voice of the varietal. The Merlot Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2018 by Le Due Terre is a celebration of place, a marriage of tradition and innovation, and a beacon of the winery’s dedication to crafting wines of unmistakable character and enduring appeal.