The Data

Country   Italy

Appellation   Lazio IGP

Varietal   Merlot

Retail Price   $50

ABV   14.5%

Score   5 Stars/97 points

In the Glass

Deep ruby to garnet red color.

The nose is complex and expressive with dense black cherry and black berry notes supported by an exotic brown baking spice mélange, dark chocolate, and sexy oak accents.

The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush and dense fruit core with spice, oak, and subtle earth notes perfectly woven into the fabric.

Full-bodied with the kind of power, grace, and balance found only in top class wines.

Cool Factor

I fully confess to loving a well-made Merlot and ever since that retched Hollywood film that slandering this fine grape I find myself enthusiastically supporting the varietal.

Value Grade

Sure it's $50 and there is a large segment of the wine buying population that will never or rarely spend at this level but if you have ever considered it, this might be the time.

Analysis

Montiano is certainly one of Italy's great expressions of Merlot. It's 100% Merlot, from the Montiano Vineyard, fermented in stainless steel and then aged in French barriques (225 liter oak casks) for 12 months. The vineyard was planted in 1988 at elevations exceeding 1,000 feet with southern and southwestern exposures. It's a classic and has been since its introduction in 1993.

How to Enjoy

This beautiful and generous wine pairs well with hearty casseroles and smoked meats.