Danzante Merlot
Tasting Notes
A wine of intense red color with violet reflections, Danzante Merlot has an inviting bouquet of black currant and blueberries enhanced by nuances of sweet spices, such as cinnamon. The lively fruit flavors of plums and berries give this wine a personality that is delightfully different. Enjoy it with a variety of dishes, especially Prosciutto, vegetables, mushrooms and black truffles.
The Grape
In French, the word Merlot means "Young Blackbird", probably alluding to the grape's beautiful dark-blue color. This grape is the first French variety to be planted on a large scale in Italy after the Phylloxera Disaster (Phylloxera is a parasitical disease that devastated the European vineyards in the 1860's through the end of the century). Originally introduced to the northern provinces, Merlot is now found in the central and southern regions as well.
Regional Notes
The grapes for Danzante Merlot are selected from the province of Agrigento in Sicily. Viticulture in Sicily dates back around 4000 years and, while ancient wines from this region earned prestige around the world, until recently, modern wine growing has focused on high production and dessert grapes. Fortunately, in the past few years, there has been a rebirth in Sicilian wines with gradual conversion towards quality. The warm Sicilian sun promotes perfect ripening of the grape, which is essential in creating great wines.
Danzante Merlot Technical Information
Appellation: Merlot Della Sicilia IGT
Vineyard Location: Agrigento Sicily
Growing System: Cordon-trained, spur-pruned vines
Time of Harvest: September
Serving Temperature: 60-65 degrees
Winemaking
The grapes are lightly crushed and the must fermented in stainless steel vats at approximately 30 C (86 F). The wine ferments approximately 10 days and is given seven days of extended skin contact to naturally soften tannins and develop varietal complexity. Immediately following the primary fermentation, the wine undergoes Malolactic fermentation to enhance the wineÕs roundness and depth. The wine is not oak aged in order to accentuate the pure berry fruit character. After 10 months in stainless steel tanks to marry flavors, the wine is bottled.
Download 2005 Danzante Merlot Tasting Notes (PDF)
