Dario Prinčič Merlot 2007
- Region
- Italy » Friuli-Venezia Giulia » IGP Venezia Giulia
- Type
- red still, dry
- Producer
- Vintage
- 2007
- Grapes
- Merlot
- Alcohol
- 14.5
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
- Find at
Ratings
The first nose of this wine intriguingly brings to mind Nucul de Aur, the walnut balsam from Moldova. As the bouquet unfolds, it reveals a complex array of grilled meat, dried fruits, coffee, cherry brownie, toffee, and tobacco.
In contrast to a Cabernet Sauvignon, this Merlot is less thick and concentrated, and it appears more developed. The long aftertaste is complemented by well-balanced tannins and acidity. Nuanced, complex and delicious.
This was the deserved crescendo of the evening. Paired with a burger, the 2007 Merlot melted my heart (it's not made of cheese, mind you).
Lovely Merlot at a great age. A developed and charming bouquet of chocolate, coffee, ripe fruits, jam, white pepper, sweet Jerez and earth. Round, almost perfectly balanced, well-structured and juicy (boy, the acidity is still there).
Perfect age. Lots of tertiary notes without anything filthy. Just some relative funkiness. Almost perfectly balanced and well-structured. A charming bouquet of chocolate, coffee, VA, ripe red fruits, white pepper, Pedro Jimenez, and earth. Generous and multilayered.
About Producer
Dario Prinčič established his namesake winery in 1993, marking a significant transition from his family's longstanding tradition of selling grapes to other local wineries. It wasn't long before Dario began to innovate; just six years into the winemaking business, he started experimenting with maceration techniques for white wines. This process imbued the wines with a remarkable complexity and texture, captivating Dario to such an extent that he resolved to apply maceration across his entire production in the subsequent year.
Today, Dario Prinčič's winery is a family-run affair, overseeing 10 hectares of densely planted vineyards. These vineyards are uniquely situated, benefiting from a soil composition rich in clay and sandstone, which is instrumental in the distinctive character and terroir expression of their wines. This combination of soil types contributes significantly to the depth and nuance found in their wine offerings.
Under Dario's guidance, the winery has become renowned for its commitment to natural winemaking practices. Dario Prinčič is often recognized as one of the trailblazers in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region for adopting and perfecting the art of extended skin contact in white wines. This innovative approach not only distinguishes their wines but also reflects a deep respect for tradition and a bold willingness to redefine it.
The Prinčič wines are celebrated for their rich, expressive nature, combining traditional techniques with a modern sensibility. By embracing the full potential of their grapes and terroir, the winery continues to be a testament to the evolution and diversity of Italian winemaking.