Sansonina Merlot

Deep ruby-red in color, with concentrated notes of crushed black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, and a touch of balsam. Broad, velvety, and mouth-filling on the palate, it strikes a perfect balance between strong tannins and elegant acidity. The wine is produced by Sansonina (Zenato family) on the southern shores of Lake Garda, Italy. Founded by Carla Prospero and her daughter Nadia Zenato, the estate is situated in the Sirmione/Peschiera del Garda area. Sansonina, the name given to the impressive 18th-century cascina near Sirmione.

Classification: DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)

Grape Varietal: Merlot

Feature: Sustainable, Estate-Grown

Country: Italy

Region: Veneto

Appellation: Garda

Grape Profile: Merlot is known for its plush texture, ripe plum, and black cherry flavors, often showing notes of cocoa, vanilla, and soft herbal nuance. It typically offers smooth tannins and balanced acidity, making it both approachable and capable of aging.

Region Profile: The Lake Garda region enjoys a temperate, near-Mediterranean climate moderated by the large lake. Vineyards on the southern shore benefit from diurnal temperature variation, and soils shaped by glacial moraines provide silty, gravelly and clay-inflected profiles. These conditions allow red grape varieties to ripen sufficiently while retaining freshness, minerality and nuanced aromatics.

Pair with: Grilled meats, hearty dishes like barbecued ribs, lamb chops, and aged cheeses like Manchego, Gouda, and blue. Vegetarian dishes like roasted vegetables or lentil casserole.