Borgo Magredo Nero Mosaic 750ml

Winery: Borgo Magredo

Varietal: Merlot

Today, Merlot is generally believed to be one of the most popular and widely planted grape varietals in the world, with expert estimates putting it just behind Cabernet Sauvignon in the top three most planted vines. Ask any winery anywhere between France and Argentina, and they'll tell you it is due to the grapes reliability, fantastic range of flavors and unique properties. Single variety Merlot wines are especially popular with companies wishing to target newcomers to the world of red wine, due to the fact that as Merlot has a low tannin content, and relatively little malic acid, the wines it produces are fleshy, well rounded and firmly in the 'medium body' category. This essentially means that they are extremely drinkable, full of lovely jammy fruit flavors and rich, pleasing aromas. That isn't to say that Merlot is only for beginners, though, as this grape is also one of the key varietals for producing some of the most highly respected, complex and perfectly balanced wines in the world.

Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

The special region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northern Italy has a long history of producing exceptional white wines in its beautifully mountainous vineyards. Situated between the stunning Italian Alps and the wild Adriatic sea, Friuli-Venezia Giulia's wineries are dedicated to capturing the alpine essence of their wonderful terroir, and the finest wines of the region are famed for their alpine freshness, full of notes of clear mountain waters and lush, green grasses. Because Friuli-Venezia Giulia is so close to the Italian border with Slovenia and Austria, it is normal to find wineries working with grape varietals not normally associated with Italian wines. However, the Riesling wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia are undoubtedly amongst the finest in Europe, and French varietals such as Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir also grow very well there alongside some of Italy's best Pinot Grigio vines.

Country: Italy

It isn't difficult to understand why Italy is famed not just for the quality of its wines, but also for the vast variety and range of characteristics found in the wines there. The terrain of the country varies wildly, from the lush rolling green hills and valley of Tuscany, to the sun drenched rocky coasts of Sicily, the mountainous and alpine regions of the north, and the marshy lowlands of the east. Italy really does have a little bit of everything. Combine this huge range of landscapes with an almost perfect climate for grape cultivation, and you have a country seemingly designed for viticultural excellence. The results speak for themselves, and it is clear to see that wine has become an inseparable part of Italian culture as a result of its abundance and brilliance. Each village, city and region has a local wine perfectly matched with the cuisine of the area, and not an evening passes without the vast majority of Italian families raising a glass of locally sourced wine with pride and pleasure.