Pascolo, Collio (Friuli, Italy) Merlot 2010

Although this wine was still a little hard when tasted a year ago, there is no question that it will develop for years and ultimately unfold into something very fine, as it is beautifully proportioned. The balance of fruit and tannin is excellent, and the aromas show a very nice herbal layer without seeming at all vegetal or under-ripe. Collio is one of the world’s best sources of Merlot regardless of the fact that this is still not widely known. The variety always gets ripe, even in cool, wetter years, with a very low tendency to rot even in the rainiest seasons. The vines must be managed to prevent them from over-cropping, but conscientious vintners can do very well…as exemplified by this wine.