Bolla – Merlot
| Winery: | Bolla |
| Category: | Italian Red Wine |
| Type: | Merlot |
| Region: | Veneto |
| Grapes: | 100% Merlot |
| Vinification: | Bolla uses only fully mature grapes in order to achieve the maximum expression of its varietal character. The wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and then undergoes fermentation. 10% of the wine is aged for 4 months in both American and French oak barrels before blending and bottling to add structure and character. |
| Color: | Bright ruby red. |
| Bouquet: | A full bouquet of cranberries, cherries, plums, and raspberries. |
| Palate: | This dry full-bodied wine has an appealing, bright black cherry character enhanced by hints of licorice, vanilla, and clove derived from the wood aging. |
| Pairing: | Pairs with a wide selection of dishes such as beef, blue and cheddar cheeses, duck and game bird, barbecue, mushrooms, lamb, and pork. |
| Serving Temp: | 60° – 65°F |
About the Veneto Region:
Location: Northern Italy, Eastern
Notable Reds: Corvina, Lagrein, Merlot, Molinara, Pinot Noir, Rondinella, Schiava, and Lagrein
Notable Whites: Chardonnay, Friulano, Garganega, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, and Sauvignon Blanc
The winemaking history of the Veneto has been strongly influenced by the history of the regions that were important stops along the Mediterranean spice route from the Byzantine Empire to the trading center of Venice.
The region is bordered by the Alps to the north separating it from Austria. Slovenia borders the region on the east and the Italian region of Veneto forms the western border and part of the southern border with the Adriatic Sea. The northern half is very mountainous and gives way to flatter terrain and plains on the way to the sea. The climate is distinguished with very warm days and chilly nights that help maintain a balance in the grape between acidity and sugar levels and allows the grapes a long, slow growing season.