Collezione Apponale, Merlot, Trentino DOC

CHARACTERISTICS

Grape variety used: Pure Merlot.
Location of the vineyards: on heavy, clayey soil in early zones that ensure
the grape bunches receive numerous hours of sun exposure during ripening. This makes it possible to always achieve good ripening of the grapes and produce wines with body and structure. Training system: Trentino pergola for the older vineyards and Guyot for the younger ones.
Harvest: Careful, timely thinning ensures that grape yields per unit of
surface area are within the limits established by the production standards.
The harvest takes place around mid-September, selecting the ripest,
healthiest bunches. 

FERMENTATION AND AGING

Fermentation: the grapes are immediately separated from the stems
and crushed. The must produced is macerated on the skins during the entire alcoholic fermentation, conducted at temperatures between 25 and 28°C for approximately 6 to 7 days. The wine is then partially clarified through a couple of rackings and undergoes malolactic fermentation to achieve balance and plushness. 

Aging: The wine is aged for approximately 10 months in cement vats, steel tanks and oak barrels. Before bottling, the different batches are suitably blended.

ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERISTICS
Colour: fairly deep ruby red.
Aroma: complex and lingering with fruity notes (small fruits like raspberry
and blueberry in particular) accompanied by pleasant spicy and grassy
scents (green pepper) consistent with the varietal characteristics.
Flavour: full, plush, pleasing to drink. It has a pleasantly tart aftertaste and
flavours that linger in the mouth.