La Rifra Desio Merlot Garda

La Rifra is a family-run farm, present for over forty years in Pilandro in Desenzano del Garda. Since the beginning of its activity, in the seventies, the company has chosen to exploit above all the typical wine production of the territory, and to plant and cultivate the native vines: Trebbiano di Lugana and Marzemino, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay.

For the cultivation of vineyards, the company does not use herbicides, works according to the methods established by European laws, and strictly adheres to the agri-environmental measure 10 for sustainability and respect for the environment. Established by the region.

Vineyards

The company, in the 14 hectares of vineyards divided between white and red grapes, offers an excellent production of red wines from Desenzano del Garda , with an intense and full-bodied flavor, characteristic of local red berried grapes. It is precisely the Lugana soil, rich in mineral salts, soft and clayey, that determines the achievement of superlative quality grapes, and of some wines that, over the years, have become famous and appreciated all over the world.  

The Merlot vines grow in the area of ​​southern Lake Garda in the moraine hills, which are clay and calcareous.

Vinification

Late harvest exclusively by hand. This is followed by temperature-controlled fermentation with automatic pumping over of the marc. Maturation is for 1 year in steel tanks. Then 3 months bottle aging.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby red in colour with hints of spice, white pepper and red forest fruits on the nose. The palate is well structured with a medium-bodied texture, and fine tannins combining with gentle spice-white pepper and rich red fruit flavours of red cherry, bramble and blackcurrants.

Ideal with salami, grilled roasts, also white meat and pasta with meat sauces, matured cheese.