What?
Juice 2018 Merlot, Monopolio, Cantina di Gambellara, Gambellara, Veneto, ITA
Grape 100% Merlot
Farming Traditional, Vegan
Tasting Note Ruby red in colour, this wine opens with an elegant and complex nose with aromas of ripe red berries. On the palate, it is velvety, round and medium-bodied.
Who?
The Cantina di Gambellara was founded in 1947 and has nearly 300 members who farm 600 hectares. The co-op is based in a small denomination on the border between the provinces of Vicenza and Verona only a few miles east of Soave. Last year, this cantina merged with the Cantina dei Colli Vicentini (from whom we buy the Ca’ di Alte wines) and Alberto Marchisio is now responsible for the winemaking, with Matt Thomson as consultant.
Why?
We love the Merlot in particular from this excellent co-operative as its varietal and regional typicity is absolutely on point as it’s a slightly more elegant expression of Merlot, with well-judged oak and slightly leafy hints, a nod to the cooler climate from which it comes. We feel it also represents exceptional value for money on our Q v P scale so why not just stock up and take a 6 pack?
With?
The Veneto region has such a wonderful bounty (and variety) of food that we need look no further than some simple regional pairings. Take for example a delicious plate of Bigoli (a local pasta, think thick spaghetti) with Duck Ragu or the wonderful Casunziei, half-moon shaped ravioli stuffed with beetroot and poppy seeds. If these options seem a little too difficult to muster up you could just whip up a lovely game or root vegetable stew, adding a liberal dose of the above wine to harmonise the pairing even more.