Poggiobello Merlot 2010

Ruby red in colour with violet hues and hints of ripe berries and nuances of red cherry on the nose, this red is friendly and approachable yet aromatic and vinous.

Try with grilled chicken or fresh cheeses.

Poggiobello Estate is located near the town of Oleis di Manzano (Province of Udine). The site, also named Poggiobello, is not far from Cividale, an ancient roman town that at one point was the capital of the Longobard Empire.

The vineyards cover an area of 110 hectares (270 acres). They are terraced and cover two large natural amphitheaters.

The soil here is unique: Eocene marl and sand are extremely meager and provide excellent draining. The weather is also distinctive and very well suited for viticulture and grape ripening, especially for the white varietals that benefit from the warm Adriatic Sea breezes (the Adriatic Sea is only 30 km or 18 miles away) and from the Julian Alps that protect the area from the cold winds from Northern Europe.