Merlot Mlecnik 2015

The Merlot from the Slovenian winery Mlecnik is an artisanal interpretation of remarkable richness and charm, produced in the Vipavska Dolina area. For over two centuries, the Mlecnik family has been the custodian of this region, but it was at the end of the 1980s that the actual qualitative leap occurred with the abandonment of bulk wine sales in favor of internal bottling under their own name. Today, the winery is led by Valter Mlecnik, a talented winemaker who has been skilled in respecting the ancient and established traditions passed down through generations.

The Mlecnik Merlot Vipavska Dolina is made from only Merlot grapes grown in soils composed of marls, clays, and limestone rocks in accordance with the principles of organic farming, certified since 2005. Once the clusters have reached the perfect degree of ripeness, manual harvesting and crushing take place, with alcoholic fermentation conducted exclusively by indigenous yeasts. The subsequent aging period takes place in oak barrels for 24 months, at the end of which the wine is bottled. Throughout the entire winemaking process, the mass undergoes no clarification, filtration, or addition of sulfur.

The Slovenian Merlot from Mlecnik displays a garnet red color with violet hues. The vivid olfactory mosaic is defined by fruity and floral aromas, adorned with scents of tomato leaf and tobacco. On the palate, it shows remarkable balance between silky softness and brilliant freshness, with a rich and complex tannic structure. The finish is long-lasting with exceptional flavor-aroma correspondence. A Merlot of excellent versatility in food-wine pairing, suitable for dishes based on various meats, aged cheeses, and flavorful mushroom preparations.