Pàtrimo a wine born by chance
Cultivated in Italy since the late nineteenth century, Merlot has adapted to different soils and climates, showing a versatile personality, sometimes with surprising results. Pàtrimo was a wine born by chance because no one knew there were Merlot vines in Irpinia. The story began with an old supplier that was delivering grapes and not declaring them as Merlot but Aglianico. Then, after checking the vineyards, Feudi di San Gregorio noticed that these grapes had different suppleness, shapes and taste than the grapes they thought they were purchasing. From there, this important wine became a new expression of Merlot.

Appellation: Campania Rosso IGT
Grape variety: 100% Merlot
Colour: Deep ruby red

The grapes are 100% estate grown at an altitude of 488m/1600ft above sea level with a southern exposure at a density of 4,000 vines per hectare in six hectares of rocky volcanic soil with a significant humus content with a calcareous-clay bed.

Fermentation: Grapes are harvested by hand at the end of September. After de-stemming and crushing, maceration takes place and lasts 21 days at a controlled temperature of 26C/79F and alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in wood.
Aroma: Delicate black forest fruit preserves are evident, as well as eucalyptus, vanilla and coffee. Taste: The tannins are sweet, luxurious and balanced. The finish is long with spices and roasted coffee.
Ageing: Minimum of 18 months in French barriques of medium toast and in the bottle, a minimum of 10 months.
Serve at: 16-18C
Decanting time: 1 hour
Matches with: Fabulous on its own, pairs perfectly with Roasted Red Meats, Game, Blue Cheese, and Aged Cheeses.
Alcohol: 14%
Drinking Window: 2021-2040

Reviews: 97 Points Wine Advocate, Monica Larner December 2018. ‘I tasted this wine over the course of 6 months, in advance of its commercial release. The 2016 Pàtrimo is quite a wine and needs all the extra bottle it can get.
I would suggest putting it at the back of your cellar for another 5 years (at least). It opens to a black and impenetrable appearance. This is an elaborate and beautifully constructed wine that is put together, piece by piece like a jigsaw. When viewed as a whole, all those tiny pieces create a beautiful portrait as the protagonist and of a region as its context. This full bodied Merlot has made important strides since I first tasted it. Today, it is more expansive and exuberant. It shows lots of volume and depth with elegance and finesse.’