The first information about Merlot comes from 1783, known by the name “Merlau”, while the actual name “Merlot” comes from 1824, in a treatise on Medoc wines. The origin of the name is quite interesting, it comes from a bird called “Blackbird”(in French it is called “Merle”), which it particularly loves the grapes of this variety.
According to genetic analyzes, Merlot is the result of a cross between Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes (a vinegrape that is now almost extinct).
Our wines follow a common philosophy and the Portico is no exception: a pure wine aged in oak barriques. In our opinion, Merlot should not only be structured but also it should have an important elegance and softness, as well as complex and elegant aromas. Great attention is given especially to the moment of harvesting, which is essential for obtaining this type of wine.
The winery currently has 1.3 hectares of Merlot, a more “recent” part (23 years) and an older part (30-35 years).
Dark red in color, tertiary aromas and ripe fruit predominate on the nose, especially dark cherry, blackberry and cedar.
Among the more “recent” vintages, I really appreciate 2013. Recently I also tasted older vintages and the 2007 and 2003 impressed me very positively.
