Passori, Rosso Veneto IGT (Italy) 2013

Much as they do in Tuscany, vintners in other parts of Italy are enamored of Merlot because of its tendency to ripen early. And so it is that this red blend from Italy’s northerly Veneto district is 60 percent Merlot, with the rest the indigenous grape Corvina, which is prominent in the Valpolicella of the Veneto. The Passori is fermented to medium dryness and shows intense black fruit characteristics. The slightly elevated level of residual sugar (1 percent) softens the palate and masks the somewhat aggressive tannins.  A Platinum award winner at the 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition.