Azienda Agricola Roberto Voerzio
Da Uva Fontanazza-Pissotta Langhe Merlot
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Opened nearly 7 hours prior to Tasting Group and slow-ox'd. Even though this wouldn’t be considered testable, I figured it would be fun to taste with the group, you know, to keep them on their toes! Presented double-blind.
The 2013 Merlot “Passata” pours a deep ruby color with medium viscosity. Moderate intensity; developing vinosity. The nose is redolent of raspberries, cranberries, jasmine, a mix of dried and fresh purple flowers, smoke, some spice, dried herbs, and stone. There are some pyrazines lurking underneath as well which , if nothing else, should have been some clue to others. On the palate, the wine is dry and generous with ripe red fruit mixed with some dark fruit, smoke and spices, leather, and tobacco. Acid is high with medium++ tannin…grippy, juicy tannins. High alcohol. Long finish.
Calls were all over the place, from Dry Creek Zinfandel to Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Truthfully, I didn’t expect anyone to call Langhe Merlot. That being said, there is an underlying Italian sensibility to this wine. The structure is all Italy and even though the alcohol was high, it’s not terribly unusual to see balanced wines from Langhe bumping up close to 15%. Anyway, this was outstanding and universally adored by the group. As far as age-ability, this is drinking quite nicely with a hefty amount of air. That being said, taking the structure into account, this should easily drink well over the next ten years.
Opened nearly 7 hours prior to Tasting Group and slow-ox'd. Even though this wouldn’t be considered testable, I figured it would be fun to taste with the group, you know, to keep them on their toes! Presented double-blind.
The 2013 Merlot “Passata” pours a deep ruby color with medium viscosity. Moderate intensity; developing vinosity. The nose is redolent of raspberries, cranberries, jasmine, a mix of dried and fresh purple flowers, smoke, some spice, dried herbs, and stone. There are some pyrazines lurking underneath as well which , if nothing else, should have been some clue to others. On the palate, the wine is dry and generous with ripe red fruit mixed with some dark fruit, smoke and spices, leather, and tobacco. Acid is high with medium++ tannin…grippy, juicy tannins. High alcohol. Long finish.
Calls were all over the place, from Dry Creek Zinfandel to Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Truthfully, I didn’t expect anyone to call Langhe Merlot. That being said, there is an underlying Italian sensibility to this wine. The structure is all Italy and even though the alcohol was high, it’s not terribly unusual to see balanced wines from Langhe bumping up close to 15%. Anyway, this was outstanding and universally adored by the group. As far as age-ability, this is drinking quite nicely with a hefty amount of air. That being said, taking the structure into account, this should easily drink well over the next ten years.
2004 vintage. Amazingly young. Terribly sexy. Where Pomerol meets Napa Valley. Terrific length.
2004 vintage. Amazingly young. Terribly sexy. Where Pomerol meets Napa Valley. Terrific length.
Oct 25th, 2017
Bought a few bottles of this from some online special. I hear it’s selling for ca 170 euros right now. I paid 40.
Bought a few bottles of this from some online special. I hear it’s selling for ca 170 euros right now. I paid 40.
Dec 20th, 2024
Big fruity Merlot from the Piedmont. Aromas and flavors of candied cherries, blueberries and raisins. Hints of chocolate and smoke. A very ripe vintage, as this one was extremely fruit forward. 14% alcohol. Thank you Frankie Bella for selecting this wine for dinner!
Big fruity Merlot from the Piedmont. Aromas and flavors of candied cherries, blueberries and raisins. Hints of chocolate and smoke. A very ripe vintage, as this one was extremely fruit forward. 14% alcohol. Thank you Frankie Bella for selecting this wine for dinner!
Apr 15th, 2018
This was an amazing bottle once it had time to breath. I'm only sorry I don't have another.
This was an amazing bottle once it had time to breath. I'm only sorry I don't have another.
Jul 12th, 2015
