Food and Wine Pairing
Try Coq Au Vin as a perfect complement to Ecco Domani Merlot
Merlot
Ecco Domani 2009 Merlot
The Grape
The warm Sicilian sun and fresh night breezes across the island provide the perfect climate for growing Merlot grapes with bright fruit aromas and soft, mature tannins. Grapes for our Merlot come from two different areas. On the southeast part of the island near the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, sandy soil and a warm climate create grapes with great maturation, vibrant aromas and flavors, and velvety tannins. On the southwest part of the island close to the Valley of the Temples is a mountainous growing environment with heavy clay soil. Grapes mature slower here, resulting in deep color and extremely rich mouthfeel.
Viticultural Notes
2009 was a fairly typical year for Sicily, with regular spring rainfall and warm, dry weather through the summer, culminating in a hot August. Crisp nights contributed to large grape bunches with deep color. Shortly before harvest, the warm days were accompanied by a slight shortage of rain; however, our growers used modern cultivation techniques that include water storage and estate water wells, which overcame the challenge of low rainfall. Thanks to the ideal harvest conditions and modern technology, 2009 promises to be a strong vintage for Merlot.
Winemaker Notes
The 2009 Merlot is made from 100% Merlot grapes, which were harvested at full maturity in late August and early September. They were then macerated for seven to ten days in stainless steel tanks under strict temperature control to preserve the bright fruit characteristics. After separation from the must, the wine remained on the lees until the end of malolactic fermentation to increase the wine's complexity and body. Finally, the wine was racked to stainless steel tanks to preserve the fruit flavors that are characteristic of this varietal.
Tasting Notes
Ecco Domani 2009 Merlot displays a deep red color tinged with ruby-red reflections. It expresses ripe cherry aromas and plus blackberry flavors. It is balanced and soft on the palate, with supporting structure and a clean, elegant finish. Our Merlot is a perfect match for a wide range of foods, particularly tomato-based pasta dishes, poultry and grilled meats.
Finished Wine
Varietal Content: 100% Merlot
Appellation: IGT Sicilia
Alcohol Level: 13.8%
Residual Sugar: 0.49 g/l00ml
Total Acidity: 0.61 g/100ml
pH: 3.60
Ecco Domani Merlot pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, such as tomato-based pastas, grilled steak, and risotto. Try our food and wine recipe suggestions: Classic Lasagna, Farfalle Pasta with Chicken, and Coq Au Vin.
