Degrassi Merlot Contarini 2015

On the Terre Rosse site near Petrovija (close to Umag) both genetically very close yet distinct varieties, Teran and Refosco, grow on red soil. Both have high acidity and a large share of antioxidants, producing fresh, invigorating and long-lasting wines. Low yield provides additional assurance of aroma quality and the potential for long ageing. Alcoholic fermentation begins at 25–28 °C for 10–15 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation take place in small oak barrels for 36 months, helping to round the initially lively acids and tannins. This is followed by blending and ageing in a large cask for several months, after which the wine settles and matures in bottle for a further 6 months.

The vineyards lie on the hills around Buje, at 220–250 m above sea level, in the Contarini site. The ideal microclimate allows the grapes to ripen while retaining enough acidity to give the wine fruitiness and balance, while the mineral white soil supports drinkability with its distinct mineral notes. Part of the must undergoes cryomaceration and, after gentle pressing, ferments separately at 14–16 °C. The wine ages on fine lees in stainless steel until spring, when it is bottled.

This wine is born in the finest wine-growing area of Buje, Contarini-Brazzania, where low yields per hectare allow the creation of top-quality wines. The vineyards are laid like an amphitheatre, ideally benefiting from the local climate and the mineral white soils. The grapes are destemmed and the must ferments in stainless-steel tanks at 18–25 °C for 20 days. This is followed by pressing and the completion of fermentation (including malolactic) in stainless steel until the end of December. The wine matures in oak barrels of various sizes (barrique, tonneaux, large casks) for 4 years, followed by a further 2 years of integration in stainless steel.

The vineyards lie on the hills around Buje, at 220–250 m above sea level, in the Bomarchese site. The ideal microclimate allows grapes to ripen while retaining enough acidity to give the wine fruitiness and balance, while the mineral white soil supports drinkability with its pronounced mineral notes. Part of the must undergoes cryomaceration and, after gentle pressing, ferments separately at 14–16 °C. The wine ages on fine lees in stainless steel until spring, when it is bottled.

The vineyards lie on the hills around Buje, at 220–250 m above sea level, in the Contarini site. The ideal microclimate allows the grapes to ripen while retaining enough acidity to give the wine fruitiness and balance, while the mineral white soil supports drinkability with its distinct mineral notes. Part of the must undergoes cryomaceration and, after gentle pressing, ferments separately at 14–16 °C. The wine ages on fine lees in stainless steel until spring, when it is bottled.

The vineyards lie on the hills around Buje at 220–250 m above sea level, in the San Pellegrin site, historically known for this variety. Maintaining low yields per hectare and the ventilation of the position allow the production of healthy grapes essential for extended ripening and achieving the desired concentration of aromas. After a short cryomaceration and gentle pressing, the must ferments at low temperature to preserve the irreplaceable Muscat aroma concentration.