A structured, plummy Merlot from a 2.5 hectare plot on the Il Cascinone estate that punches well above its weight. Carlo Manera gave this a new lease of life from the 2016 vintage with ageing in oak for added complexity.
Production
The Merlot grapes are grown in a single block of just 2.5 Ha, planted in 2000 on south, south west facing slopes to encourage ripening. Cool nights on the hillside vineyards also encourages the development of fruity characters in the finished wine. The must is carefully fermented at controlled temperatures (26-28 degrees C) for 15 days to ensure plenty of fruit extraction. The wine is then racked at least twice before being transferred to barriques and traditional Piemontese tini (large conical wooden vats) for malolactic fermentation and maturation for 8-10 months.
Soliti Merlot 2022 (6 bottles case)
Vivino ratings
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Tasting notes
Plum, blackberry and savoury spice characters on the nose. Full flavoured and rounded on the palate, with layers of dark fruit, black cherry and toasty spice backed by ripe tannins, a hint of mocha, and a fresh finish.
Food match
Drink with grilled red meats, roast duck, rich stews or pasta with intense tomato sauces.
Info
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ABV
14.5%
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CASE/BOTTLE SIZE
6 x 75cl
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REGION/COUNTRY
PIEMONTE, ITALY
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GRAPE
MERLOT 100%
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FEATURES
VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, SUSTAINABLE
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CLOSURE
CORK
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WINEMAKER
CARLO MANERA
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APPELLATION
DOC PIEMONTE
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ALLERGEN INFO
CONTAINS SULPHITES AND NO OTHER ALLERGENS
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Meet the producer
Il Cascinone was acquired by leading Piemonte producer Araldica in 1999 - an exceptional estate in the Monferrato hills which has undergone extensive restoration and replanting. Now around 70ha of the total 102ha are in full production, with the warmer, southwest-facing slopes used to grow Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon - whilst the northeast slopes are ideal for more aromatic varieties Brachetto and Moscato, along with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
The 'Il Cascinone' range (and part of the Alasia range) is produced with grapes sourced from Araldica’s most prized vineyards, both on the estate itself and from other selected sites. This includes the further d'Annona vineyard in the village of Fontanile - purchased by Claudio Manera in 1998. This south-west facing vineyard is a source of premium quality Barbera, from vines over 60 years old. Grapes from d'Annona are brought to Il Cascinone for vinification.
All harvesting at Il Cascinone and d'Annona is by hand. The Araldica winemaking team of Claudio Manera, Lella Burdese and Carlo Manera oversee all production.