CRÉA 2021
MERLOT TRENTINO SUPERIORE DOC

One of the most representative wines of the cellar, Créa was vinified with the best grapes from the vineyards best suited to cultivation of the Merlot varietal.

VINEYARD CHARACTERISTICS

Seasonal performance The 2021 vintage was characterised by alternating seasonal trends and rather extreme situations, but on the whole it was interesting in terms of quality. Sprouting as delayed due to the cold weather in April, with limited bud fertility. Flowering was also delayed, but took place very quickly. Subsequently, hailstorms affected almost the entire area on  several occasions, but fortunately the damage was light in light of the optimal climatic conditions that followed and the selection and cleaning work carried out by the members. At the  harvest, the vines presented themselves excellently and with a reduced production load: healthy, well-matured bunches with an optimal acid balance, also due to the delayed ripening. Location of the vineyards Earlier zones to allow better ripening of the grapes: Bolognano and the slopes of Monte Brione. These are mainly southerly facing areas that enjoy many hours of sunlight and excellent microclimatic conditions.
Grape variety used Merlot with 1.5% Cabernet Franc.
Type of terrain Heavy soils with medium texture, characterised however by a high clay content, at times calcareous.
Training system Guyot-trained.
Production 6,500 kilos of grapes per hectare.

VINIFICATION AND AGEING

Harvest The grapes were harvested by hand on 2 October, selecting the bunches and excluding those that were not perfectly ripe: the undamaged grapes were placed in small containers  and quickly transported to the cellar.
Vinification The grapes were immediately destemmed. Alcoholic fermentation took place in special steel vats at a temperature of around 23 °C (73 °F) with maceration on the skins for 19  days.
Ageing On 20 January 2022, at the end of malolactic fermentation and after a couple of racking operations, the wine was placed in barriques and tonneaux of mainly French oak for ageing. On 9 January 2023, the wine was blended, and on 24 February 2023 it was bottled, producing 3,900 0.75 l bottles and 30 magnums. Bottling will be followed by at least 18 months of ageing  in bottle.

ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERISTICS

Colour The wine has a compact and firm ruby red colour.
Aroma The aroma offers a fascinating and elegant interweaving of nuances that includes berry scents (raspberry, blueberry and blackberry) and plum, as well as the cocoa and liquorice typical of Merlot, and spicier scents like cloves, pepper, menthol and vanilla, which are enhanced by aging in wood.
Flavour The wine reaches the palate with authority and fullness and underscores the balance between the tannins, which lend it structure without disrupting its great elegance, the wonderful plushness, pleasing fresh streak and lingering aromas and flavours. Intended to be aged, but also splendid enjoyed immediately.

ANALYTICAL DATA

Alcohol 13.50% Vol
Residual sugar 0.5 g/l
Total dry extract 28.4 g/l
Total acidity 5.60 g/l.
pH 3.45
Contains sulphites.

PAIRINGS

• Roasted and braised red meats.
• Game dishes.
• Hard cheeses.

SERVING TEMPERATURE

Serve at 18 °C in wide glasses.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Keep in a cool place, away from light and heat sources. Store bottles horizontally.

AGEING POTENTIAL

10 years.

AWARDS

Click here to see all of Créa’s awards.