Merlot Riserva DOC BIO Friuli

Merlot Riserva DOC BIO Friuli is produced by Simon di Brazzan, an organic winery in Cormons, in the heart of the Friulian Collio. Merlot in Friuli has a long and deep-rooted history — introduced in the 19th century, it has perfectly adapted to the region's clay and limestone soils, yielding wines of great structure and complexity, very different from Bordeaux or Tuscan Merlots. Simon di Brazzan's Riserva version is the result of rigorous selection and prolonged aging, which enhances its depth.

The winemaking is traditional and respectful of the varietal: manual selection, gentle destemming, fermentation in a 25-hectoliter truncated conical vat for 25 days with indigenous yeasts, malolactic fermentation. Then, 24 months of aging in large barrels. A process that requires patience — and it is clearly evident in the glass.

The color is intense ruby red with garnet reflections. On the nose, plum, ripe cherry, cocoa, sweet spices, and a balsamic note. On the palate, soft and enveloping, with silky tannins and a surprisingly elegant structure. Long and persistent finish.

Grape Varietal: Merlot 100% | Vintage: 2021 | Alcohol: 14.5% | Format: 0.75 l
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Winemaking: Manual selection, fermentation in 25 hl truncated conical vat for 25 days with indigenous yeasts, malolactic fermentation. 24 months in large barrels.

Recommended For

Those who appreciate soft and enveloping reds with structure and complexity, and want to discover what Merlot can achieve in the clay soils of Friuli — a completely different version from Bordeaux or Tuscan styles. It's the right bottle for an important occasion or for those who want a red with character without the aggressive tannicity of Cabernet or Lagrein.

When to Drink

It is already enjoyable today thanks to the 24 months in large barrels that have softened the tannins, but it has all the characteristics to evolve beautifully for another 5-8 years if stored correctly. Decant it 30 minutes before serving to open up its aromatic complexity.

Flavor Profile

A soft and enveloping Merlot, where the richness of the fruit — plum, ripe cherry, cocoa — integrates with the structure from 24 months in large barrels and the minerality of the Friulian Collio. The tannins are silky and never aggressive. The finish is long, persistent, with a balsamic note that emerges with oxygenation.

Why We Chose This Wine

Because Simon di Brazzan's Merlot Riserva demonstrates that Friuli can produce high-quality Merlots — distinctive, more elegant, and territorial compared to international benchmarks. The 25 days of fermentation with indigenous yeasts and the 24 months in large barrels are precise choices that yield complexity and depth. We offer it because it aligns with our selection criteria: organic, identified territory, serious aging.

FAQ

What dishes pair well with Merlot Riserva DOC BIO Friuli?
Roasts of red meat, game, aged cured meats, hard cheeses. Also excellent with risotto with ragù and more elaborate traditional Friulian dishes.

Why is Friulian Merlot different from Bordeaux Merlot?
The clay and limestone soils of Collio and Friuli's continental climate give Merlot a structure and minerality different from those of the Gironde. The result is a fresher, more savory wine with a distinct aromatic complexity — less fruity and more territorial.

Why does it ferment for 25 days?
Extended fermentation in a truncated conical vat with indigenous yeasts optimally extracts color, structure, and aromatic complexity. The 25 days allow for complete maceration, which gives the wine the necessary structure to withstand 24 months in large barrels.

Is it a certified organic wine?
Yes. Simon di Brazzan is a certified organic winery in the Friulian Collio. No synthetic pesticides in the vineyard, indigenous yeasts in the cellar.