Campo del Lago Merlot 2018 (Inama)

Drink now or cellar for up to 6 years. No need to decant before serving. Situated in the gentle rolling hills to the east of the city of Verona, the Inama estate was founded in the 1960s when Giuseppe Inama first began acquiring small plots in prime locations using his savings. In the 1990s the next generation of the family, Giuseppe’s son, Stefano, took over the winemaking and lead the estate in an exciting new direction with the introduction of more international grape varietals. Stefano also began experimenting with producing red wines like this Campo del Lago Merlot in the warm Colli Berici region. The Inama family purchased the vineyards of the Villa del Ferro Lazzarini estate where this wine was originally produced in the 1950s and 1960s. Its creator, Alfredo Lazzarini, was one of the first to recognise the potential of the Colli Berici for growing Bordeaux varietals like Merlot. The vines he planted here are now over 50 years old and produce wonderfully concentrated and intense wines in a very classic and elegant style. The nose is characterised by abundant dark fruit, sweet spice, and licorice notes, while the first sip introduces the ripe blackberries, blackcurrants, and dark chocolate notes. There is a generous full body, smooth tannins, and touch of bright freshness which brings the flavour profile into perfect balance.