Fasoli Gino Calle Merlot 2019

Cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant before serving. This magnificent Merlot is carefully crafted by the Fasoli family who have been making wine in this corner of the Illasi valley east of Verona for four generations. Their story began back in 1925 when Amadio Fasoli started a fruit and vegetable farm where he would also make wine to sell to local bars. Today the winery is in the hands of Amadio’s grandsons and his great-grandsons who lovingly work their vines according to biodynamic and organic principles. Calle is the name of the vineyard where the Merlot grapes for this wine are grown and it was the first of the family’s vineyards to be farmed biodynamically. Each year the grapes are carefully harvested by hand and then hung on nets to try for 80 days. This traditional appassimento technique creates a rich and flavoursome wine which is then matured in oak barrels for up to 18 months. Leather, truffle and crushed wild berry aromas captive on the nose, while the palate is velvety smooth with a bold full body and concentrated raisin, liquorice and cherry jam flavours. This characterful wine is an excellent choice to serve alongside hearty dishes like beef bourguignon or fresh pasta served in a rich ragù sauce.