2011 Meroi Merlot "Dominin" Colli Orientali Friuli Italy

The most expensive wine in the world is a Merlot from Petrus in Bordeaux. This 100% Merlot from NE Italy is a stunner and not to be missed. If you haven't had the opportunity to enjoy some of the vibrant, racy, and show-stopping top quality reds from this jaw-dropping gorgeous area Italy, please allow us to introduce you to one of the top reds we've EVER tasted from the area.

About the wine

Tasting notes: A deep ruby color with berry fruit framed by a bouquet of spicy notes. Chewy and full, it stretches long and persistent in the mouth, with firm tannins and crisp acidity to support a great evolution in the bottle for the next decade. Combine it with red meat and a great conversation.

About the Winery

Domenico Meroi founded the estate at the beginning of the twentieth century. Domenico, nicknamed “Dominin”, handed down the ownership of the estate to his son Attilio and his grandson Davino. Paolo Meroi today continues the activity started by his great grandfather. By the end of the seventies he managed to bottle the wine, which up to then was only sold locally and on tap, and to enlarge the estate to its current 19 hectares of vineyards on the hills behind Buttrio. In 2007 the estate acquired the vineyard known as “Zitelle”, established in Buttrio. Once an old clay quarry, the vineyard became part of the historic family vineyard known as “Dominin”. Approximately 40% of the farmland in “Dominin” is devoted to vine growing, most of which is included in the D.O.C. Friuli Colli Orientali.

About the Region

The appellation Colli Orientali del Friuli in the Udine region is one of the top sub-regions of the Friuli hosting among the best cellars for both local and international varieties. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of the most beautiful and unique wine regions in Italy. Just as its unique geographical position at the crossroads of northeastern Italy, the Adriatic Sea, Austria and Slovenia has given this region a mixed bag of cultural influences, so has its varied terroir and terrain allowed it to cultivate an astonishing mix of grape varieties. Winemaking in Friuli dates back to the Ancient Romans, and modern commercial success came in the late 1960s. The trend continues today and Friuli’s wines are viewed as the best and with the most advanced winemaking techniques.

Reviews

This Merlot from the Dominin vineyard is absolutely stunning in 2011. As this slowly unwinds in the glass it releases gorgeous aromas of ripe blackberries and dark cherries followed by spring florals, spices, graphite and tobacco. This structured red is beautifully balanced with a rich plush texture and a gorgeous layer of underlying acidity that lends to the juicy, yet firm finish. This is an exceptional effort that has the potential to age nicely over the next decade and beyond. (Best 2016-2030) ~ 95 pts. International Wine Report. Top 100 Wines of 2015

Meroi's 2011 Merlot Vigna Dominin shows the dark, full-throttle side of Friulian Merlot. Mocha, bittersweet chocolate, plums, graphite, blackberry jam, grilled herbs and spices are fused together in a sumptuous wine built on pure texture. Ideally, readers should give the 2011 a few years to allow for some of the baby fat to drop off. There is nothing subtle here. This in your face beauty is all about opulence. ~ 93 pts, Vinous Media