Italian IGT wine from Venice (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When the conversation turns to Italian wine, it is rare that Merlot is ever mentioned.  With the likes of Barolo, Brunello, Amarone and Chianti Classico, it is not wonder that people do not associate Merlot with Italian wine producers.

The Merlot grape however is widely used throughout many regions in Italy but mostly as a blend and never more than 15/20% of the wines makeup.  In recent years the Merlot wines have seen an increase in popularity in Italy both as a blend and as a 100% Merlot wine.  In fact many of the Super Tuscans that are demanding huge prices in todays market, use Merlot to soften the final product.

Personally, I do not favor Merlots and will often pass, if Merlot is my only option, that is until recently.  It took some convincing, but I have been enjoying some quality Merlots, all bearing Italian labels.  Many are demanding high price tags but I found five (5) I think you will like, with only one a bit on the expensive side.

Galatrona: Produced in Tuscany by a relative small producer the Fattoria Petrolo Galatrona is by far my favorite.  Usually priced near $100.00 this is truly a special occasion wine.  A stunning wine with a long finish, good fruit and great balance.  Look for vintage years 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.  SEARCH HERE.

Falesco Montiano: This is the bottle that got me excited for Italian Merlots.  This is a single vineyard merlot from the Lazio region.  Recommended by a local wine shop that I occasionally frequent, the deal was if I didn’t like the wine, I get my money back.  If I did, I had to write this post.  Again, a wine with nice fruit, a good balance and a smoothness I really enjoyed.  I tried the 2006 and it was $35.00.  SEARCH HERE.

Falesco Merlot Umbria:  This one is a bargain and a steal all rolled up in one.  The 2009 was awarded 92 points by Wine Advocate.  Check out this quote from the reviewer;  “Here the fruit is wonderfully precise and elegant. Jammy blueberries, blackberries, cinnamon, leather and crushed rocks are woven into a beautiful fabric. The French oak is layered very nicely, adding depth
and flavor, but never overpowering the wine.” BUY THIS WINE NOW FOR $14.99.

Castello Banfi “Mandrielle:” This Merlot from the Sant’Antimo  appellation in Tuscany and is another standout wine in the Banfi lineup.  I tried the 2005 with its concentrated aromas and long finish.  In fact all of the Merlots I tried had a nice long finish.  You can find this wine for under $25.00.  SEARCH HERE.

Sansonina Merlot Veneto: Hey how could you not like any wine grown in the Lake Gouda Lugana section of Veneto.  Nice complexity, good balance and yeah, a long finish.  I tried the 2007 here and enjoyed it thoroughly. You can find this for under $20.00. SEARCH HERE.

 Related articles:

• Bertani: The Old Shall Be New Again (ubriaco.wordpress.com)
• Falesco Vitiano 2007: Italian Value Meets American Palate (waterintowino.com)
• Merlot and Roast Combination (josephswineandfoodblog.wordpress.com)