Merlot Collio DOC 2020 - Villa Russiz

Merlot Collio DOC – Villa Russiz

REFINED DEPTH FROM COLLIO

Villa Russiz’s Merlot is a polished red wine from Collio, made from hand-harvested grapes grown on marl-rich soils. After a 15-day skin maceration, the wine ages for 12–15 months in French oak and spends another 5 months in bottle, reaching aromatic and structural balance.

Brilliant ruby red in the glass, it opens with subtle vegetal notes and tobacco, which deepen over time. On the palate, it’s rich, soft, and well-structured, with a velvety texture and refined tannins.

Ideal with roast white meats, roast beef, boiled meats, and traditional stews, this wine enhances classic dishes with grace and depth.

Best enjoyed during: autumn meals, traditional Sunday roasts, elegant homemade dinners.

This wine Merlot briefly

Denomination: Collio DOC
Vintage: 2020
Dosage: Dry
Grape variety: Merlot
Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia (IT), Capriva del Friuli (GO)
Refinement: Steel and oak barrels
Serving temperature: 14/16°C
Alcohol content: 14% vol.

Villa Russiz – The soul of Collio: a legacy of elegance, history, and social commitment

Villa Russiz is more than just a winery—it is a place where the noble character of Friulian land intertwines with a visionary spirit, turning wine into a symbol of cultural and social heritage. Founded in 1869 by French Count Theodor de La Tour and his Austrian wife Elvine Ritter, the estate rises among the sun-kissed hills of Capriva del Friuli, in the heart of Collio—one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions. From the very beginning, Villa Russiz stood out by introducing advanced French-inspired winemaking techniques, paving the way for a legacy of high-quality production that still defines its identity today. The estate’s 50 hectares of vineyards grow on "ponca" soil—Collio’s signature marl—that lends the wines refined aromas and vibrant minerality. Villa Russiz's production philosophy blends agronomic precision, manual harvesting, and winemaking practices that respect the uniqueness of each varietal. Aging takes place in stainless steel or oak barrels, depending on the wine, enhancing the pure expression of each grape. The estate is renowned for its elegant, long-lived white wines—Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Friulano, and Ribolla Gialla—and its structured reds like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Iconic crus such as Graf de La Tour, Gräfin de La Tour, and Défi de La Tour represent the pinnacle of its production. What truly sets Villa Russiz apart is its social mission: a portion of the proceeds supports the Villa Russiz Foundation, which for over a century has cared for and supported children in need—honoring the humanitarian legacy of Elvine de La Tour. Each bottle, therefore, tells a story not only of soil and vine, but of compassion, dedication, and solidarity. A winery where enological excellence meets ethical purpose, making every glass a tribute to beauty and meaning.