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Starting in the mid-1980s, Count Brandino Brandolini set about realizing his ambition to produce a world-class Merlot at his family’s picture-perfect 500-acre Vistorta estate in the Friuli district of northeast Italy. Several years of study at the University of Bordeaux, in addition to time spent at the family’s Bordeaux estate, the highly regarded Chateau Greysac, convinced Brandolini that Vistorta possessed the ideal terroir for production of superb quality wine. Working with his friend and colleague, Georges Pauli, a consultant to a number of leading Bordeaux properties, Brandolini implemented a series of radical improvements at Vistorta’s existing 80-acre vineyard, which has been planted with Merlot for over a century. Significant investments were made in the construction of a state-of-the-art winery and cellars. As a result, 20 years later, Vistorta has become the source of one of northeast Italy’s most sought-after red wines.

Production Area
High-density, low-yield vineyard plots in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeast Italy. The soil is well-drained and rich in clay and lime, important conditions for the cultivation of fine merlot

Grape Varieties
100% Merlot

Vinification
Immediately following harvest, whole bunches from different vineyard plots are pressed and fermented separately, then macerated under strictly controlled temperatures for approximately 18-25 days. Part of the wine is sent to barrique to undergo malolactic fermentation. At this point, assemblage takes place, as the various parcels of wine are tasted and the best selected for the final Vistorta blend. After aging for 12 months in French barrique, the blend is fined with egg white and bottled without filtration. The bottles are left to rest in the cellar for five months prior to release

Color
Vibrant ruby red

Bouquet
Intense aromas of red cherries and plums mingled with notes of green olive and spice

Taste
Medium-bodied and well structured, with rich, concentrated flavors of black currant and wild berries set against a backdrop of silky tannins. A powerful yet elegant wine

Alcohol
12.8%

Serving Suggestions
Outstanding served with roasted or grilled red meat, lamb, polenta, mushroom risotto and semi-hard cheeses. Uncork at least ½ hour before serving