Merlot

It could easily be mistaken for a very high-quality St Emilion from a cooler vintage! A compact and finesse-rich Merlot-Cabernet from old vineyards and vinified according to traditional methods. Deep dark red in colour, with complex, berry aromas on the nose. On the palate, the Cuvée Anticus impresses with pleasantly ripe fruit, velvety tannins and a wonderful texture. Lush and almost endless finish! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Ripe fruit on the nose, Amarena cherry and blackcurrant, as well as spice and forest floor. Precise fruit and balanced acidity structure on the palate, lingering finish with great spicy notes." Falstaff

"Currant, cigar tobacco and hints of blackberry aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with creamy tannins and a juicy finish. Light velvet. Some tar and black olives as well." James Suckling

The vines of this fascinating cuvée grow on deep, loose moraine soil. Dark garnet red to the eye. Intense bouquet of flowers and black berries. The body of this cuvée is well structured, with blackberry, blackcurrant, a little tobacco and a hint of tar. Fine tannins lead into a long and juicy finish. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a dark core and fine rim. Elegant, dark bouquet of blackcurrant, with a hint of paprika and fine wood spice. Velvety on the palate, firm tannins, precise fruit and a long finish." Falstaff

"This is a creamy and spicy red blend that has plums, vanilla, chocolate, oranges and mint on the nose, as well as some smoked paprika. It is medium to full-bodied, rich yet bright, with powdery tannins." James Suckling

"The 2021 Linticlarus Cuvèe Riserva is unobtrusive and restrained. A bouquet slowly rises from the glass, combining sage and orange shavings with redcurrants and a hint of white smoke. This juicy and round wine has a core of lively acidity that perfectly balances the depth of ripe raspberry and blueberry fruit, while silty tannins gather towards the end. On the long and structured final, the 2021 leaves behind a primary concentration as a bitter hint of tart blackberry fades." Vinous

Deep ruby red colour, lush notes of cherries, strawberries and sweet oak spice, vanilla and black pepper. The Sangiovese gives the blend great freshness and is in perfect balance with the silky and soft tannins of the Merlot. Overall rich, but always elegant and with great persistence. A complex, excellently structured red wine in absolute Super Tuscan quality and produced in a limited edition of just under 3,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

Smells intensely of redcurrants and black cherries, leather, spices and liquorice. Lush and flowing on the palate, all elements merge into a great, striking wine. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with a hint of violet and a delicately brightening rim. A compact nose of ripe blackberry and rich cherry, with elegant peppery spice and a fine malt flavour rounding off the bouquet. Polished and juicy on the palate, shows great entry with a racy, gripping finish, with a fine salty undertone, can be stored for a long time." Falstaff

"Impenetrable dark ruby. Rich blackberry and blueberry fruit with touches of cassis, bell pepper, black pepper and fully integrated oak. Juicy blackberry fruit with gritty elegant tannins and a lush finish. A very good wine from an unremarkable year." Jancis Robinson

"On the nose, there are spicy notes of thyme, sour cherries, lemon leaves and blackcurrants as well as black olives. It is full-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins and a tangy kick of acidity. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable from 2023." James Suckling

"Outstanding, elegant blend of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon: spicy forest fruit flavours, a powerful start, the tannins are fine-meshed and in balance with the acidity, the finish is berry-spicy and long." Vinum

"The Geremia 2018 is outstanding. A wine full of energy and finesse, the 2018 Geremia is more about persistence than volume. Blueberry, blackberry, lavender, liquorice and scorched earth are abundant. In 2018, Geremia is a wine of tension and restraint. Its best days are still far in the future. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon." Vinous

Sansonina (Lugana and Merlot) is a strictly limited and very ambitious project by the Zenato family, in which only the best grapes from their own vineyards are used. Only a small number of these are sold in numbered bottles each year.

An almost textbook bouquet of a slightly mature Merlot with dark fruit depth and beautiful notes of graphite and flint. Warm and soft on the palate, yet powerful, very precise and dry, with plenty of dark cherries and a fine sweet spiciness. You can literally feel the Lake Garda climate in its fresh and extremely harmonious character and you can look forward to further years of ageing in the bottle! SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, bright ruby red colour. Forest berries, ripe raspberries, rose hip tea on the nose, with fine light spices, cold smoke and a milk chocolate aftertaste. Beautifully juicy on the palate, elegant on the tongue, precise, with a certain elegance, also slightly salty, good length, pleasant pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Lush blackberries, dark cherries, ground spices and hints of wet stones. Firm and textured, with a medium body and ripe, velvety tannins. It’s succulent with good fruit concentration in the middle and a lively aftertaste." James Suckling

"Take off your work clothes, put on your high-heeled shoes, shut out the world behind us ...". Clear the stage for 100% Merlot from Trudie and Sting. The carefully selected grapes are harvested by hand at the perfect point of ripeness to ensure optimum expression of the vine and the terroir. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, followed by 12 to 15 months of ageing in French oak barrels before the wine is bottled.

Sacred Love presents itself in a deep ruby red colour with violet hues. After about an hour of aeration, the wine unfolds on the nose with intense aromas of ripe plums and blackberries, enriched by notes of dark chocolate, vanilla and a slightly spicy hint of black pepper. Velvety and full-bodied on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and an aromatic finish that invites you to take another sip. The balance between acidity and alcohol is harmonious, with a structure that promises excellent ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a new Merlot from Trudie and Sting, showing impressive aromas of violets, blackberries and violets. It then transitions to slate and dark earth. It changes and seduces with every whiff. Full-bodied yet very balanced and dense with polished and flattering tannins. The finish is long and delicious. Fantastic first release. So attractive, already ready to drink, but even better in three or four years." James Suckling

Dark ruby purple in colour, with a blackcurrant aroma and an excellent length, firm tannins, fine extract sweetness and a pronounced spicy note on the final. We are excited to see what elegant heights this great Tuscan Merlot will reach in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, ruby-red core, with a brightening rim. Dark, fleshy fruit on the nose of blackberry, black cherry, on ebony, pipe tobacco, juniper. Soft and creamy on the palate, juicy fruit coated in chocolate, firm tannins, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Cont'Ugo, offers terrific freshness, especially for the year. There's a bit of edginess in the tannin from the challenges of the growing season. Even so, what comes through most is the move toward greater vibrancy in the wines." Vinous

"This is a wonderfully polished and creamy red wine. Notes of chocolate biscuits, dark plums, cloves and dark cherries on the nose, as well as some graphite, followed by a full-bodied, lush and supple palate." James Suckling

"This red wine is decidedly fruity with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, plums, liquorice, cedar wood and oak spices. A smooth version with excellent balance and a long aftertaste. Shows just enough grip to give it weight." Wine Spectator

At the southern foot of the Margreider Schuttkegel is a vineyard with the dialect name "Punggl", which has been known and coveted for viticulture since time immemorial. In the mid-1950s, the former owners of the Hirschprunn estate planted a vineyard there with Merlot, as it had already produced very good results in previous decades. In 1995, the grapes from this vineyard were of such first-class quality that they inspired Luis von Dellemann, the Oenologistresponsible at the time, to vinify these grapes as a single variety - since then, and only in the best years, this strictly selected grape material has formed the basis for the MCM.

Cherry red with ruby red reflections. Intense aromas of wild berries, forest floor and spices on the nose. Complex and powerful on the palate, very balanced and profound, with a very fruity flavour and radiant freshness as it progresses. Great length and good potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A crunchy merlot with less pulp than expected, yet it’s elegant. It shows leather and cassis with a hint of leaves on the nose. On the palate it’s medium-bodied with crisp acidity. A bit raw despite crunchy tannins." James Suckling

Merlot Voos dai Ciamps smells seductively of ripe cherries and plums, complemented by sweet herbs and tobacco. Its silky texture is consolidated by bright acids and inner spice in a savoury expression, while notes of tart red and blue berries pour over its mineral core. The finish is long and lightly textured, leaving earthy tones, hints of lavender and citrus for a characterful final. SUPERIORE.DE

Rich, dark ruby colour with a slight garnet sheen, very dense bouquet, clear, concentrated and inviting, of fine dark chocolate, lots of blackberry, flowers and liquorice. Intense dark berry fruit flavours on the palate, fine-grained tannins, subtle mineral tones. A great, smooth and very characterful Merlot from the Cortona region with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet sage and mint give way to balsamic-tinged black cherries as the 2020 Merlot Desiderio opens in the glass. This flows across the palate with ease, medium in weight and supple. The saline-tinged acidity guides the core of tart red and blue fruits. Graphite notes mix with savory herbs and spice as the 2020 finishes with admirable length and a gentle coating of fine tannins." Vinous

"Very clear aromas of blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate and some orange peel follow through to a medium body with a solid core of fruit and a polished and refined texture. It’s driven and focused. Will age nicely." James Suckling

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soil on Brolio. This made it possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable flavour are produced. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli is now presenting the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. Although the production volume has been drastically reduced, the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red fruit, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and expands with impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Fresh sour cherries and plums on the nose, with violets and a touch of coriander in the background. Fruity and juicy on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A rich, dark expression of Merlot, this red walks the fine line between austerity and generosity, with the latter gaining prominence over the course of the fine finish. Dense, with the tight texture working in tandem with black cherry, blackberry, iron and spice flavours." Wine Spectator

"The Barone Ricasoli 2019 Casalferro showcases its potential in a classic vintage. The DNA of the wine, which is made exclusively from Merlot, is characterised by the grape variety, but the terroir also plays a major role in this presentation. You know you're drinking a wine from Tuscany thanks to a delicate bundle of flavours that includes wild cherry, violet fruit, violets and spices. This wine gives an Italian personality to a French grape variety." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Casalferro is magnificent. Ripe dark cherry and plum fruit, liquorice, spice, new leather, menthol and mocha are combined in a generous, lush Merlot that offers much of the vibrancy of a Chianti Classico." Vinous

"Blueberry, plum and red and black berry scents mingle with wildflowers, spices and a hint of roasted coffee beans. Stony and sapid in the mouth, it's all about elegance with beautiful cool blue fruits accompanied by a touch of creaminess on the mid-palate, then a long, super-fresh and poised finish." Decanter

"Super flavours of fresh violets, black olives, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Also a hint of dried flowers. Full-bodied but compact and polished, with superbly crafted tannins that compress the palate and give it a velvety texture. Taut and concentrated. The most precise and refined Casalferro ever. It needs at least three or four years to show what it's made of, but it has great potential. Best from 2026 onwards." James Suckling

"Produced for the first time not only with the best grapes from the vineyard of the same name, but also with contributions from the Pecchierino and Sodacci vineyards, this is a pure Merlot of stature with intense aromas of blueberries, currants and balsamic herbs on the nose. The flavour is elegant and spectacularly clean. Salty and spicy tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini

Intense and enveloping aromas of blackberry, dark fruit and cocoa. Memorable, full-bodied fruit and firm tannins on the palate, which give this Merlot its unique elegance. Pleasantly round, long and with traces of mint on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose starts sweet and wild with aromas of blueberries, raspberries and a hint of vanilla, before spicy notes of leather, herbs and pepper make themselves known. On the palate, flavours of cherry, vanilla and milk chocolate support the berry element before a lingering, herbaceous and stony finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Sito dell'Ulmo is remarkably pretty, wafting up with a blend of wild blueberries, sage, dusty dried violets and hints of tobacco. It's round and supple, possessing cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits that cascade across the palate as rosy inner florals form toward the close. The 2019 tapers off gently tannic yet wildly fresh, finishing with notes of lavender and crushed blackberry. Stunning." Vinous

Merlot Voos dai Ciamps smells seductively of ripe cherries and plums, complemented by sweet herbs and tobacco. Its silky texture is consolidated by bright acids and inner spice in a savoury expression, while notes of tart red and blue berries pour over its mineral core. The finish is long and lightly textured, leaving earthy tones, hints of lavender and citrus for a characterful final. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep Merlot Riserva with a multi-layered bouquet reminiscent of dried fruit, wild raspberries, blackberries and tobacco. Very dense fruit on the palate, powerful body and polished tannins. This wine impressively demonstrates what Merlot can achieve in South Tyrol! So much depth and power in the very long finish. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Gently shining ruby red with a fine rim. Spicy and with savoury fruit on the nose of very ripe plum and sweet cherry, plus saddle leather and tobacco leaf. Polished on the palate, generous in the fruit, with liquorice, inviting and with a very long finish." Falstaff

"Spicy aromas of green olives, dried dill and smoke give way to a lovely palette of black cream cherries, dried raspberries, star anise and mineral notes on the palate of this fresh, well-structured red wine with medium body, fine-grained tannins and good length." Wine Spectator

"The Merlot Riserva Gant 2021 bursts from the glass with vibrant wild blueberries complemented by sweet spices and grated sage. It is soft and enveloping with an abundance of ripe red and blue fruits that stain the palate. Tactile mineral tones add a crisp feel towards the finish. The 2021 cleanses beautifully through the long and lightly textured final, leaving crisp tannins and an aftertaste of wild berries." Vinous

"A rich and inviting bouquet of red and dark berries, sweet spices, walnuts and dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied, supple and polished, with juicy fruit in the centre and ripe, fine-grained tannins. Bright and juicy finish." James Suckling

Intense, seductive aroma of sweet spices, tobacco, dark cherries and wild berries. The flavour is perfectly matched by enormous elegance, rich fruit, complexity, structure and length. A wonderful, taut and highly polished Merlot. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red at the core with garnet-red edges. Ripe blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose, then slightly vanilla-like and leathery from the wood ageing. Full-bodied on the palate with supple tannins, very elegant and with a long, spicy final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Merlot Montiano is youthfully dark and brooding, shimmering from the glass with an exotic blend of crushed black raspberries, blueberries, blood oranges and incense. This wine is elegant and refined. Brilliant acidity enlivens a core of vibrant ripe red and blue fruits. A chalky hint of violet pastille envelops the palate. It is incredibly long and colours the final, with sweet tannins perfectly framing the experience without slowing its momentum. This sun-drenched vintage of Montiano Merlot aims to please without ever losing its balance." Vinous

"The chocolate, red fruit and subtle cedar character is vivid and impressive but all in check. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a creamy and polished texture and a flavorful finish. Dark chocolate and black olive undertones. Balanced and refined." James Suckling

"The marvellously inimitable volcanic temperament of Montefiascone for an exceptional red wine, a Merlot of density, fruit and tension. Currant and raspberry on the nose, a hint of nutmeg, salty tannins in the mouth, juicy and dense, with a return of small red fruits and a long finish." Luca Gardini

Soft, generous red wine with beautiful notes of red fruits, sweet spices and delicate herbs, all coming together in a medium-bodied, terroir-driven style. The wine offers excellent depth, a long, elegant finish and an inspiring overall harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

Merlots of this quality are really only known from central Tuscany. And when one of the best Brunello producers cultivates a small parcel of Merlot and does not bottle a single-varietal Supertuscan just for fun, one has to be more than alert. The serious experiment has paid off: Joanni is a rich and multilayered red wine that offers aromas of currants and blackberries with hints of dark chocolate and vanilla beans. With further aeration, dark plums, blueberry pie, dark spices and vanilla reveal themselves. It is full-bodied and juicy - yet never overloaded - with tangy acidity, round tannins and a flavourful, very buoyant finish. Wow, we can hardly wait for further bottle ageing ... SUPERIORE.DE

Deep ruby red colour. Bright, fresh and savoury aromas and flavours of blueberries, flint, coffee and fresh herbs. Long and clean with soft tannins and very good clarity on the bright finish. A beautiful, very refined wine, characterised by its early attractiveness, but also by its velvet-pawed concentration and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Rivarossa, a blend of Cabernet and Merlot, takes its time to evolve in the glass. It's coy at first, with hints of dried black cherry. Swirling slowly unlocks depths of sage and exotic spice. This displays silky textures as a polished wave of red and black fruits swirls across a stream of zesty acidity. The 2019 slowly saturates the palate in youthful concentration, along with fine-grained tannins, while finishing long, structured and leaving a pleasant bitter tinge. There is potential here, yet it will require serious patience to unlock." Vinous

"Raspberry, blackcurrant bush and bark on the nose. Also some pencil. Full-bodied, but not overwhelming, with linear and polished tannins that run the length of the wine. Very solid and structured, but with a certain openness on the finish." James Suckling

Poggio ai Merli is a single-varietal Merlot that relies entirely on the terroir of central Tuscany and consistently embodies the Castellare style. Pure, clear, with refinement, elegant and free of fashionable monotony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, rich garnet. In the nose of delicate fragrance of ripe blackberry, some mint and a touch of oak, in the reverberation of varnish. Shows on the palate with rich pressure and gripping course, well-integrated wood supports the drink, rich and slightly salty, currently still young, should spend some more time in the bottle." Falstaff

"A juicy red with lots of ripe-fruit and citrus undertones to the smoked oak. Medium to full body, chewy tannins and a fruity finish. It’s a little disjointed now, so needs a few years to come together. But excellent potential in this pure merlot." James Suckling

"The 2018 Poggio ai Merli is stunning for the way it combines the fruit intensity of Merlot with the structure of Chianti Classico and the vibrancy of the year. What a wine. Inky blue/purplish fruit, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, black pepper and earthy flavors all race through this deep, potent Merlot from Castellare. Even with all of its intensity, the 2018 retains striking freshness and tons of verve." Vinous

Borgo del Tiglio's Collio Rosso Riserva is a northern Italian Merlot (with the addition of 5% Cabernet Franc) and is only vinified in the best vintages. A beautiful red with a delicate personality and a resting intensity that emphasises a kind of elegance that is particularly rare for this grape variety. On the nose, redcurrant, sour cherry, blue flowers and hints of caraway and crushed linseed. A great, exceptional red wine, of which only 1,200 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

Dark ruby, spicy blackberry bouquet with herbal and delicate toasted aromas, underpinned with a fine note of noble wood. On the palate, expansive, deep and of complex texture, present, well-integrated tannins, well-balanced and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE