A Friuli-Venezia Giulia Merlot

A Friuli-Venezia Giulia Merlot: Wine Reviewed
Di Lenardo Merlot 2009 IGT 12% alcohol about $15

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Description: Bright ruby in the glass with blackberry, cherry, and cedar aromas with some mushroom and black olive notes. The palate is dry and very well balanced and supple with good fruit and a medium-long finish. Enjoy with hearty winter fare, such as rabbit stew.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was dark, well-balanced, and long. offered dark plums. The initial meal centered on slow-cooked beef ribs. In response the wine’s acidity was sour and harsh but I did taste black cherries. The side dish of potatoes softened the acidity somewhat, but it was still harsh. I tasted some chocolate. Dill pickles intensified the chocolate and the wine was no longer harsh. (Maybe the wine’s exposure to air that removed this objectionable quality.) The Merlot did not mesh with spicy Calabria olives but itself became spicy and round.

This review continues on my website.