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Sunday, February 25, 2018

2006 Quintarelli Ca' del Merlo Rosso IGT (Veneto)

Have enjoyed the 2006 vintage of Quintarelli Ca' del Merlo (House of the Blackbird) on several occasions and it has been consistently delicious. 

This is a single vineyard bottling. 2006 produced the most elegantly Burgundian version of Ca' del Merlo that I've had. (For example, the 2004 is a bigger wine that benefits from additional cellaring, while the 2006 is ready now.)

Double decanted for a quick aeration prior to dinner and served from bottle. Minimal sediment.

Ca' del Merlo shines with its unique blend of varietals providing a savory, elegant complexity.  Haven't yet found another producer in the region that can approach this inimitable style... 

The inclusion (15%) of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo, Croatina and Sangiovese in the blend provides a depth and complexity not found in the Vapolicella Superiore.

While lithe and classically proportioned on the palate, the masterful use of the ripasso method coupled with skillful blending provides for a unique sensory experience. Red raspberry and cranberry on the front end, developing into subtle darker fruits on the back end .... inflections of tapenade, tobacco .... finishing with a hint of toffee...

Vineyard is mixed limestone and basalt soils. 

Varietals are 55% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo, Croatina and Sangiovese...

- Grapes are pressed immediately after harvest
- After 3 to 4 days of maceration, primary fermentation starts with indigenous yeasts
- Wine is racked and then sits until February
- Wine is racked onto the lees of the Amarone which starts a second alcoholic fermentation (ripasso)
- After 2ndary fermentation, the wine is racked into large Slavonian oak barrels for seven years.

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