2019 Due del Monte Merlot, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

This dry red wine is produced from low-yield (5-6 tonnes/ha) single Guyot-trained vines in Cormons, Italy. The grapes are sourced from clay marl and sandstone flysch soils on the south-facing slopes of Mount Quarin. The 2019 vintage experienced a hot summer, contributing to a powerful, alcoholic, and structured wine. Grapes were hand harvested a the second half of September. This Merlot is often described as having a "green" note coupled with blackberry, raspberry, violet, and spice, with refined, "cotton" tannins. Under the guidance of former Borgo del Tiglio assistant winemaker Miran Buzinel, the wine focuses on expressing the unique microclimate of the Slovenian-facing slopes of Collio. 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Two friends traveling through the hills of Friuli discovered Monte Quarin, a unique site overlooking the Adriatic Sea where vines have been cultivated since ancient times. The area’s excellent sun exposure, marked temperature variation, and mineral-rich soils create ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines. After early collaborations with local wineries, they pursued their own venture by acquiring a cellar and 10.5 hectares of vineyards on Monte Quarin, founding Due del Monte. In 2018, a new team marked a fresh chapter for the winery in the Collio region.

The estate grows both white and red varieties, including Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. White wines are made from traditional Collio grapes and aged in barriques to enhance depth and elegance, while red production focuses mainly on Merlot, which ripens consistently in this terroir. Wine production is completed using eco-sustainable methods that exclude artificial chemical fertilizers, fungicides, or herbicides, highlighting a focus on environmentally friendly, natural viticulture.