SEME

2018 | Collio DOC Merlot

Category: red, dry
Grapes:  Merlot
Location: San Floriano del Collio
Viticultural area: Collio Goriziano

VINEYARD
Soil profile: stratified Eocene marl and sandstone
Training method: double-arched
Average vine density: 3.000 vines /ha
Planting age: 47 anni
Harvest period: first half of October

VINIFICATION
De-stemming-crushing

Skin contact:
24 days, plunging and delestage applyed
Fermentation:
20°-25° C
Yeast:
selected
Maiolactic fermentation:
complete
Maturation: 
22 months on the lees
Clarification:
gravity settling
Bottling: 
27th November 2020
Bottle-agening: 
26 months

TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol: 14,16%
Total acidity: 5,90 g/l
pH: 3,71
Estimated peak of evolution: 6 years
Estimated cellar life: 20 years

The 2018 vintage had a promising start, with temperatures above average during bud break. Rising  temperatures from mid-April onwards led to rapid vegetative growth and brief and early flowering, approximately 15 days ahead of the historical norm. Positive weather conditions from May to July were marked by evenly distributed rainfall particularly high temperatures in the month of June, critical for the growth of the berries. The first signs of veraison were observed at the beginning of  July in the early zones, two weeks ahead of the historical average for the area. Record-breaking heat at the end of July and the first decade of August created ideal conditions for ripe, healthy fruit, while significant temperature excursions promoted the synthesis of essential aromatic compounds.

The 2018 vintage is also remembered for the perfect September weather, which created perfect conditions for the ripening of red grapes. From a qualitative standpoint, the 2018 vintage maintained the level of the previous one. The white wines, in particular Friulano and Sauvignon, stood out for their moderate alcohol content, balanced acidity and great aromatic expressiveness.