Merlara

The Protected Designation of Origin "Merlara", in addition to the basic versions of red wines (also Novello) and white wines (also sparkling), also includes many single-variety productions: Tai, Malvasia, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Grapes

The "Bianco Merlara" must be produced from between 50% and 70% of Tocai grapes, while for Rosso it is required, always in the same percentage, Merlot. In all wines with an indication of grape variety, however, the latter must represent at least 85% of the total grapes. The exception is Cabernet wine, for which three grape varieties may be used: Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. The remaining quotas (maximum 30% for White and Red and maximum 15% for single-variety) can be obtained from non-aromatic similar berry vines, included in the list of those used for single-variety production.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white wine (11% vol.) has a straw yellow aspect that can tend to greenish. The aroma is vinous, accompanied by a characteristic, intense and delicate perfume, while the taste is dry, medium-bodied, harmonious and slightly bitter. In the Sparkling variant (10.5% vol.) the colour becomes brilliant and the taste less dry. The Merlara Rosso (11% vol.), on the other hand, has a ruby red aspect, associated with a vinous, intense and delicate aroma and a dry and harmonious, medium-bodied flavour. In the Novello version, the tonality is enriched with violet reflections; the aroma is fruity, vinous and typical, while on the palate the wine is dry, soft and slightly aromatic and acidulous. Some of these characteristics can be found in the single-varietal productions, together with peculiarities linked to the blend.

Grape production area

The production area is located in the province of Padua and in the province of Verona.

Specificity and historical notes

The "Merlara DOC" takes its name from the municipality which, within the production area, represents and has represented a point of reference for the cultivation of the vine, for the management of production and the marketing of wines.