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Due east of Verona in northeast Italy’s Veneto region, Tenuta Santa Maria comprises a model 50-acre wine estate attached to an imposing medieval farmhouse. The property, which lies close to the ruins of an ancient temple once dedicated to the Roman god Mercury, is today owned and managed Gaetano Bertani, patriarch of one of the most celebrated families in Veneto winemaking, assisted by his sons, Giovanni and Guglielmo. Despite its historic past, Tenuta Santa Maria is a decidedly modern estate when it comes to winemaking. Forty-five acres are planted to vine, with 20 dedicated to Merlot.

Decima Aurea takes its name from a local landmark, an ancient boundary stone (pictured on the label) which stands before the property. “Decima,” signifying “10” in Latin, denotes the property’s location: 10 miles from Verona. “Aurea” refers to a medal bestowed on Roman centurions who had demonstrated exceptional valor on the battlefield – in this case, members of the 11th Legion, whose epic feats in battle earned them individual plots of land, each measuring 800 meters x 800 meters, in this specific neighborhood.

Boundaries of individual plots were marked by milestones, of which the stone in front of Tenuta Santa Maria, now capped by a cross of more recent vintage, is a fine example.

Production Area
A 20-acre single vineyard planted primarily in clay soil with deeper calcareous layers on a gentle slope enjoying a southern exposure. High-density plantings of 3,800 vines per acre, with vines ranging 13 to 16 years in age, trellised using the guyot system.

Grape Varieties
100% Merlot

Vinification
A portion of the grapes is picked in late September and left to dry in sheltered, but airy, locales on the estate. The remaining grapes are left on the vines, to “over-ripen,” and then picked in the first couple of weeks in October. The two harvests are fermented separately, then blended for fining in French Allier oak barriques for at least 12 months. After bottling, a further brief period of fining ensues before release

Color
Rich, deep red, with purple reflections

Bouquet
Compelling perfume of red fruit, dried prunes, wild berries, mingled with hints of mocha, eucalyptus and vanilla

Taste
Well-structured; harmonious; soft, supple tannins. The finish is long and intense, with suggestions of licorice

Alcohol
14.5%

Serving Suggestions
Outstanding with red meats and game, mature cheeses and hearty risottos