
Merlot wine: undisputed excellency
Merlot wine is characterized by an unmistakable taste, which is the result of an exceptional vineyard that is capable of creating a masterpiece. The high quality of Merlot is no novelty: this unique product is beloved by everyone… Even blackbirds (“merlo” in Italian) love these grapes and are responsible for the name “Merlot”.
Here we are in Cerè di Negrar on Mount Cà Paletta in the Valpolicella region, lost in the charm of this place, with its olive groves, cherry trees and - obviously - vineyards.
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Merlot grapes have an extremely thin peel, which is born primarily in damp lands, rich in fat and clay.
Merlot wine is born in France, although its harvest is possible in many other regions as well, thanks to the characteristics of the grapes, which can easily adapt to any climate. Enoteca Properzio is the proud owner of a large selection of the best Merlot wines, both Italian and foreign.

Merlot wine: from the vineyards to its sensory characteristics
The sensory characteristics of Merlot are what make it such an excellent product. Its ruby red color offers shades that are velvety and intense. Its taste is a mix of grassy and woody aromas, which make its structure rich and well-balanced. To the palate, it is strong and persistent (almost solid), while its fragrance releases the smell of forest. Among the strongest smells are those of berries, such as blackberries, cranberries and boysenberries; but one can also grasp the smell of pine needles, oregano and other grassy spices. Merlot vineyards can adapt to different climates, which makes it possible to grow these grapes in geographically diverse areas. In Italy, this wine is produced in many regions, although some are more productive than others, Veneto, Sicily, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Tuscany. These lands produce the best Italian Merlot wines. Some are quite famous around the world; others are less famous, though still sold with a great quality/price rapport and produced by great professionals.

The best Merlot wines on Enoteca Properzio
Enoteca Properzio possesses many 100% refined Italian Merlot wines. Among these wines are Masseto di Ornellaia, produced in Tuscany, with qualities that are appreciated by the best sommeliers. It is the perfect wine to combine with the gastronomical delicacies of the region, especially with white and red meat. Enoteca Properzio offers bottles from different production years, each with a specific taste and smell. It is, without a doubt, one of the best italian red wines produced in Italy. For this reason, you can purchase these bottles in an elegant and strong casing, perfect for the high quality of the wine. Another Merlot wine that is worth mentioning is Massetino, created from a blend between Merlot and a small percentage of Cabernet Franc. It bodes perfectly with stew and grilled meat, or with cold cuts and cheese.
The best Italian Merlot and much more!
Let us now focus on a 100% French Merlot wine: the Pétrus Pomerol of Chateau Pétrus. The peculiarity of this wine is the presence of cocoa, pepper, and violet aromas. It is a Merlot wine carefully selected during the production stage. The best quality of this bottle is guaranteed by its specific cultivation area: carefully studied lands to allow this Merlot wine to release its maximum potential. It is not by chance that Pétrus Pomerol is famous world-wide. The ideal degustation temperature is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. In the Enoteca Properzio catalogue you will find bottles and casings from different production years to be deeply enjoyed.

We are at the Giuseppe Quintarelli winery. Silvio Quintarelli founded the company at the turn of the 20th century. The first vineyards of this historic winery were located in Figàri in the municipality of Marano di Valpolicella. Even then its wines were popular overseas and indeed were exported to the United States in small oak casks and demijohns. In 1924, the company moved to the valley and its present location and it was here that Silvio and his family continued their business. The 1950s brought generational handover, with Giuseppe, the youngest son, now managing the winery. He is the heart and soul of Quintarelli wines.
Quintarelli wines: perfect for aging

He was the one who gave the winery its name, who wrote its history, ensuring the success of Amarone and making his wines famous in Italy and around the world. Giuseppe is the one who has developed the winery, leading it to grow and innovate. However, he has never lost sight of what has given it strength over the years, that is, the traditional method, allowing only a few bunches to fully ripen, respecting nature and its seasons, using exclusively natural materials for growing the vines, handling the grapes and the wine. The wines in the Quintarelli cellars have two characteristics in common: a natural disposition for ageing for at least 10 years in wooden barrels and in bottles, which improves the wine and its characteristics and a liveliness that continues after the bottle has been opened.