Giuseppe Quintarelli Ca Del Merlo Veneto IGT 2015

Ca del Merlo has nothing to do with the Merlot grape, rather it is a blend of 55% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Nebbiolo, Croatina, Sangiovese - similar to that of the MUCH pricier Alzero ($420 per bottle). It's a single vineyard bottling with 50% of grapes pressed immediately after harvest and 50% dried for 2 months. After 3-4 days of maceration, primary fermentation starts with indigenous yeasts, the wine is racked and then sits until February, when it is racked onto the lees of the Amarone which starts a second alcoholic fermentation (this process is called ripasso). After this fermentation, the wine is racked into large Slavonian oak barrels for seven years. Simply an amazing wine and a glimpse into the style and character of the Alzer at a quarter of the price!