Country: Italy / Poggio ai Merli
Variety: Merlot Tuscany
Winery: Castellare / Colli della Toscana Centrale
The name is a play on words. Merli is the plural of “blackbirds,” and this wine is 100% Merlot. But it isn’t for the birds. Black as night in the glass, with a brooding power that’s confirmed on the palate. What’s special about it is that unlike so many flabby Merlots, it carries Chianti-like acidity and an unbridled raciness. Excellent now with food, and it will age well, too.