Castellare 'Poggio ai Merli' Merlot

Castellare di Castellina “Poggio ai Merli” Merlot - Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy

Producer's Notes: 

The colour is deep and vibrant purple, clear, brilliant and beautiful texture. The nose is complex and the black fruit (blackberry and blueberry in particular) prevails in a clear manner. Raspberry, cherry and plum, followed by roasted notes of cocoa, vanilla and coffee. The mouth is soft and enveloping, with fine and elegant tannins. Warm, soft and very balanced. The finish is long and harmonious with a marked fruity aftertaste.

What we say:

A benchmark single-vineyard Merlot from Castellare di Castellina, Poggio ai Merli is widely regarded as one of Tuscany’s most compelling expressions of this international variety. First produced in 1999, it has consistently shown that Merlot can reach world-class heights on Tuscan limestone soils. 

Often compared stylistically to top Right Bank Bordeaux or elite Super Tuscans, Poggio ai Merli combines Merlot richness and plush texture with Tuscan structure and minerality.

The grapes come from a single vineyard at 350-400 m altitude on limestone soils, contributing both structure and freshness. The wine is aged for 24-30 months in (often new) French oak barriques, followed by additional bottle ageing, building depth and longevity. 

The wine opens with deep, complex aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and plum, layered with notes of cocoa, coffee, vanilla and subtle spice from extended oak ageing. On the palate it is full-bodied and enveloping, with velvety tannins, concentrated dark fruit and beautifully integrated structure, leading to a long, harmonious finish that balances power with elegance. 

The wine generally receives consistently high 93+ scores across top critics, reflecting its status as a top-tier Tuscan Merlot. 

Grape variety: 100% Merlot 

Style: Dry red, full-bodied Super Tuscan-style

Drink window: Now–2040+

Perfect for: Grilled steak, game, braised meats, aged cheeses

Rich, velvety and impeccably structured - a world-class Tuscan Merlot that delivers power, elegance and serious ageing potential.