Merlot Riserva DOC ORGANIC Friuli

The Merlot Riserva DOC BIO Friuli comes from Simon di Brazzan, an organic farm 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 adapted perfectly to the region's clay and limestone soils, producing 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 that enhances its depth.

The vinification is traditional and respectful of the grape variety: manual selection, delicate destemming, fermentation in a 25-hectolitre truncated conical tank 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 felt 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. Soft and enveloping on the palate, with silky tannins and a structure that surprises with its elegance. Long and persistent finish.

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

Who is it recommended for

For those who love soft and enveloping reds with structure and complexity, and want to discover what Merlot can do in the clay soils of Friuli — a completely different version from the Bordeaux or Tuscan one. It is the right bottle for an important occasion or for those who want a red wine with character without the aggressive tannic structure of Cabernet or Lagrein.

When to drink it

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

Taste characteristics

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

Why we chose this wine

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

FAQ

What dishes does the Merlot Riserva DOC BIO Friuli pair with?
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 the Collio and the continental climate of Friuli give Merlot a different structure and minerality compared to the Gironde. The result is a fresher, more savory wine with a different aromatic complexity — less fruity and more territorial.

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

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