Merlot Opoka 2018 (Marjan Simcic)

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in the Slovenian Collio, on the border with Italy, Marjan Simčič is a family winery whose origins date back to 1860. The company owns approximately 20 hectares of vineyards, distributed between the Slovenian and Italian sides. The wine is produced with 100% Merlot grapes (the same clone used at Chateau Petrus), selected and harvested manually in the Trobno cru, in the Slovenian Brda region. The vineyards, which are approximately 40 years old, are located at an altitude of approximately 130 meters and enjoy a soil made up of marl (locally called Opoka) and a south-east exposure in ventilated conditions. Fermentation occurs spontaneously and the finished wine rests in oak barrels (30% of which are new) for 48 months, before being bottled and resting for another 4 months. The wine has a deep and brilliant color, with ruby-red tones and violet reflections. Its aromatic profile reveals elegant fruity notes of dark cherries, mulberry, and blackberries with hints of candied citrus peel, coffee, and vanilla. On the palate, it is juicy with a strong and well-balanced acidity. It is concentrated and round, with fine and well-integrated tannins. The finish is warm and recalls notes of cocoa. It is a harmonious wine, ready to drink now paired with a beef brisket, but can be left in the cellar for several years.