Merlot Doc Collio Goriziano 2020 Azienda Agricola Draga

The Draga agricultural estate has been managed by the Miklus family for generations. They work the fully grass-covered vineyards with the utmost respect for the environment and, above all, the consumer, avoiding the use of herbicides. The property extends around the winery in the best areas of Collio, divided into two plots:

Draga: The vineyards are planted in the sunniest part at an altitude of 200 meters above sea level and have always produced excellent harvests.

Breg: The vineyards are planted at an altitude of 220 meters above sea level and surround the winemaking cellar. These vineyards are also sunlit but are exposed to stronger winds, which favor the hardiest grapes. Production is very low, ranging from 40 to 70 quintals per hectare, ensuring the highest quality grapes. Most of the work in the vineyards, such as harvesting, thinning, or berry selection, is done manually in respect of tradition and due to the steep slopes.

The terrain is hilly, composed of layers of marl and sandstone, locally known as “ponka.”

Winemaking: The grapes are hand-picked and manually selected, then gently destemmed and left to macerate on the skins for 20 days in conical oak vats without temperature control. During this period, alcoholic fermentation begins, and the cap is manually punched down three times a day (immersing the skins into the must). The skins are then gently pressed, and the wine is transferred to oak barriques for six months, remaining in contact with the lees. This is followed by maturation in stainless steel barrels for approximately 2 years and 6 months. The wine is unfiltered. It is then aged in bottles for a minimum of 6 months.

The wine has a garnet-red color and a complex, broad, and characteristic bouquet with notes of wild berries, cherry jam, and raspberry. The taste is persistent, mineral, tannic, and harmonious.

Food Pairings: This wine can be enjoyed as a meditation wine. It pairs well with aged cheeses, red meats, and game.

Notes: The wine may contain sediments (lees).