Merlot "Sassonero" 2020 Ca' Lustra Zanovello

Sassonero is a tribute to Sassonegro, where the vines are literally rooted in the mother rock that emerges from the shallow, reddish limestone soils. Difficulties temper man and vine: the Merlot vines, fearless, face scorching and dry summers, producing an intense and heady wine, predisposed to long ageing. Sassonero is the jewel in the crown of Zanovello's red wines. The vines are spurred cordon spurred and the yield is very low, between 30 and 50 quintals per hectare. The manual harvesting of the grapes is the first step in an artisanal process that embodies a commitment to quality. The grapes undergo a prolonged maceration of about 15 days, with spontaneous fermentation by indigenous yeasts, as with all Zanovello selections. This wine completes its maturation cycle by ageing in oak barrels for three years before bottling. Sassonero is a full-bodied and enveloping Merlot due to its low production and the way it is aged; The nose is characterised by notes of small red fruits, plum and cherry jam, black and green pepper, aromatic herbs of the Mediterranean scrub, with an ethereal, balsamic finish. The palate is dry and rich, smooth with a very persistent finish. A full-bodied wine with excellent balance, an elegant structure balanced by silky tannins, high dryness and great freshness. Ruby red with brilliant reflections and remarkable consistency in the glass, Sassonero Merlot goes well with a plate of quality cold cuts, but is at its best with main courses of meat, especially if succulent or slightly juicy. Its versatility also extends to traditional dishes such as pork tenderloin with plums or goose 'in onto'.