Podalirio – Merlot
“Iphiclides Podalirio” is the scientific name for the “Scarce Swallowtail” butterfly. This beautiful, pale yellow and dark black winged butterfly is found throughout the Querceto estate. Originally this wine label had been a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese. Since 2005 it has been 100% Merlot. The Merlot vines in the Belvedere and Campolungo vineyards express the terroir and the potential and purity of the variety.
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Region: Toscana
Type: Red, dry
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Certified Organic
Color: Almandine red with dark red reflections.
Bouquet: Distinct dark berry fruit, forest floor and leather overtones.
Palate: Hints of blackberry, black cherry, persistent, and well-balanced tannins.
Food Pairing: Great with salumi, pasta with ragù, and roasted/grilled beef and wild game.
First vintage: 1999 (blend), 2005 (100% Merlot).
Location: Querceto - Castellina in Chianti.
Vineyard: Belvedere and Campolungo vineyards.
Altitude: 1370-1574 ft. a.s.l.
Soil type: Clay and limestone.
Yield: 50qq.
Training system: Spur pruned cordon.
Planting system: Variable high density.
Harvest: By hand, mid-September.
Winemaking: Maceration for about 25-30 days in temperature controlled stainless steel.
Aging: 18 months French oak (225 lt.), 12 months in the bottle.
