Type:    red Grape:    60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon Serving Temperature:    16-18°C(60.8-64.4°F) Maturation:    barrique/tonneaux-aged 18 months Production:    3,000 bottles Food:    An excellent match with all meat fare, including wild fowl. Great with seasoned cheese. Winemaker:    Giovanni Bortoluzzi

General

BORTOLUZZI "GRADIS" IGT VENEZIA GIULIA:
Exposure, microclimate: Exposure to the sun is excellent, temperature range is good, the distinctive microclimate well suited to the varieties
Harvest time: From October 10th onwards
Notes: The name Gradis is a derivation of Gradisca d’Isonzo, the small town where the Bortoluzzis live and work. The wine hails from the family’s two finest Gradisca vineyards of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and is solely produced in the best years.

Vineyard Characteristics

Vineyard surface: 1 hectare (2.471 acres)
Crop yield: 5 tons per hectare (2 tons per acre)
Soil type: Gravelly, red/gray terrain, rich in minerals and microelements
Training system: Guyot
Density: 4,500 vines per hectare (1,821 per acre)

Vinification and Aging

Grapes are de-stalked, then undergo c. 15 days’ fermentation at 25° C (77° F). The Merlot is aged in barriques, while the Cabernet Sauvignon ages in new and used tonneaux (max. 3rd yr.), both for about 18 months. The two varietals are then blended + go in

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby red, the bouquet is reminiscent of ripe red fruit, berry jam and spice. The palate charms with its silky texture and round flavors, good body, sweet tannins.

Photos

The barrique cellar	The underground aging cellars	Alessio Bortoluzzi in the

News