Terčič Merlot 2016 Collio DOC

Wine: Merlot 2016 - Collio DOC
Winery: Terčič Winery
Grape variety: Merlot
Region: Collio Goriziano, Italy

Christmas Wine Dilemma

When it comes with Christmas, choosing the perfect wine is a real challenge. There are just too many factors to take into account: the food (which wine goes well with which food?), people’s tastes (what would my guests like the most? red? White? Sparkling?) and last, but not least, how are you supposed to choose amongst the many outstanding wines out there?
These are my personal struggles; every year the same old story.
I would certainly welcome some good recommendations from other wine lovers and that’s why I’ve decided to share my personal favourite for this Christmas.

Collio Goriziano

To explain my choice I have to go back a few years to 2020 when I went on a trip to Friuli Venezia Giulia. During that trip I had the opportunity to explore Collio Goriziano and try several wines from this region.
Collio Goriziano (simply known as Collio) is a wine DOC covering the hills around Gorizia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Collio Goriziano Vineyards

 Terčič Winery

One of the wineries I visited was the Terčič Winery.
Terčič Winery is a family-run business located in San Floriano del Collio, in the far northeast corner of Italy, near the Slovenian border.
I was familiar with some of their wines already having tried a small selection that Ana, the oenologist of the family, had sent me prior to my visit.

Tasting Room at Terčič Winery

The region has a natural vocation for white wines, and they constitute the main production of Terčič too. However, the winery also makes some distinctive red wines from local and international varieties.

Vineyard at Terčič Winery

Terčič Merlot 2016

A couple of weeks ago I decided to open their 2016 Merlot that I bought during my holiday.
I was very curious and intrigued to know how it had evolved in the past 4 years, hidden in the dark of my cellar.
The result was outstanding! The wine was still perfect, and in some ways even better than when I tried it in 2020 as the ageing process had given it a lot more complexity.

Terčič Merlot

It should be said that the variety itself and the vinification process used, both contributed to making this wine particularly suitable for ageing.
The grapes had been fermented in stainless steel fermenters and French oak barriques.
The wine was then left to mature on its lees in barriques for 15 months and then, once bottled for an additional 7 months. The result is outstanding.

In the glass, the appearance was deep ruby red with subtle garnet nuances on the edges.
On the nose it had a very pronounced intensity, with fully developed, complex aromas of black ripe cherry, ripe plum and black fruit conserve. Distinctive vanilla aromas from oak and earthy, leathery aromas from bottle ageing were also present.

On the palate, the fruit flavours were even more pronounced. The smooth, yet perceptible tannins added a thickness that enhanced the full-bodied structure of the wine.
The finish was long, leaving an aftertaste that lingered pleasantly in my mouth.

The Verdict

If I were asked to describe this wine I’d say that it has the elegance of a Merlot Bordeaux whilst at the same time retaining a very distinctive personality - a personality that seems to be a characteristic trait of all the wines from this region.

If you’re looking for a powerful, yet enjoyable red, this is your perfect Christmas pick.