The wine:

• A fruit-forward and spicy blend of Merlot and Shiraz, with an intriguing body. Produced from low yield vineyards with vinification conducted in stainless steel and short bottle fining. Very appreciated for its high quality is produced by the Bertani family that has over 150 years of winemaking tradition.

Classification:

• Veneto-Indicazione Geografica Tipica.

Philosophy:

• Expressing the local terroir with international.
• grape varietals by combining Merlot and Shiraz.

Production area:

• Tenuta S.Maria alla Pieve Estate, situated in.
• Val d’Illasi, 10 miles east of Verona, with the vineyards exposed from north to south on a slightly sloping hill.

Type of soil:

• Primarily clay with deeper calcareous layers.

Varietal:

• Shiraz and Merlot selected from three clones.
• Training:
• Rammed cord, 9500 vines per hectare.

Installation:

• 1991/1993.

Vineyard management:

• Due to the high density of the vines, more than 80% of the vineyards’ management is mechanical. However, the winter pruning of the vines, the green harvest in spring and summer are done by hand.

Harvest vinification and aging:

• The grapes are picked in the second half of September after reaching full ripening. Vinification is conducted with low-temperature maceration and temperature-controlled fermentation. After pressing, malolactic fermentation is also conducted in stainless steel tanks. In bottle the wine undergoes a brief period of final refining.

Analytical data:

• Alcohol 13.5% by vol.

Tasting notes:

• Deep ruby red with purple nuances. Elegant and complex aroma with hints of black cherries, redcurrant, blueberry and a light touch black pepper. Soft tannins and a pleasant acidity are balanced by a great body and persistency.

Serving temperature:

• 15°/18°C from a decanter.

Best with:

• Pasta and light risottos dishes, veal meat and beaf carpaccio, light and medium aged cheeses.