The Merlara PDO is reserved for the following typologies of wine: White, Red and Novello. The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Merlara PDO is within the entire territory of the municipalities of Masi, Castelbaldo, Merlara, Urbana and Casale di Scodosia and parts of the territory of the Municipality of Montagnana in the Province of Padua; Terrazzo, Bevilacqua and Boschi S. Anna in the Province of Verona, in the Veneto region.
Blends
White (incl. Semi-Sparkling) Spumante: 50-70% Tai (Tocai Friulano), pure or with the addition of non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 50%. Red, Novello: 50-70% Merlot, pure or with the addition of non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 50%.
Description of product typologies
Merlara PDO Bianco is straw-yellow in colour, at times tending towards greenish; the nose displays floral and fruity notes of white peach and citrus fruit; it is fresh, sapid and well-balanced on the palate. Merlara PDO Rosso has a ruby-red colour tending towards garnet; the aromas of red fruit on the nose are enriched with sweet spiciness, offering notes of grass, leather and tobacco; it is full bodied and structured on the palate, with an aromatic persistence. Merlara PDO Novello has a ruby-red colour with purplish highlights; the nose is delicately fruity, with light hints of raspberry and small red fruit; the aroma and flavour reflect the fruity freshness of the nose, with a characteristic acidulous and smooth finish.
Grape variety specifications
The Merlara PDO may display the specifications of the following grape varieties. From white grape varieties: min. 85% Tai (from Tocai Friulano), Malvasia (Istriana), Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Riesling (from Riesling Italico and/or Riesling), pure or with the addition of non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. From red grape varieties: min. 85% Merlot, Cabernet (Franc and/or Sauvignon and/or Carmenère), Cabernet Sauvignon, Marzemino (Semi-Sparkling), Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Raboso (from Raboso Piave and/or Raboso Veronese), pure or with the addition of non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. The characteristics of the colour, fragrances and flavour of each specification are those typical of the grape variety and terroir of origin.
Additional specifications
The Merlara PDO designation, only for those with specification of grape variety, can be followed by Vigna (Vineyard) with the relative toponym.
