Bell'aja

Bolgheri Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

San Felice Bell'aja is a captivating red wine hailing from the prestigious Bolgheri region, known for producing world-class varietals. This delightful blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon showcases a medium-bodied profile, offering a perfect balance between elegance and depth. The wine presents a bright and lively acidity that enhances its food-friendly character, making it an excellent pairing for a range of dishes. The fruit intensity is prominent, delivering notes of ripe blackberries and plums, wrapped in subtle hints of spices. Its tannins are notable yet smooth, providing structure while remaining approachable. This wine is classified as dry, ensuring a clean finish that invites another sip, making it a splendid choice for any occasion.

Tasting notes:

Blackberry

Blackcurrant

Cedar

Flavor profile:

Acidity Mild

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Region:

Bolgheri

The birthplace of cult wine Sassicaia and the "Super Tuscan" movement, Bolgheri DOC is a fascinating recent addition to Italian wine history. For fans of silky Bordeaux-style reds, Bolgheri's nonconformist blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese are second to none. Lying in a coastal area of central Tuscany called Alta Maremma (which was swampland until it was drained in the 1930s), Bolgheri's sloping, gravelly terroir is quite distinct from the Chianti hills. A local winemaker planted Bordeaux grapes here after WWII, and in 1978 his Sassicaia won first place at a blind tasting of Bordeaux wines. The rest is history. Bolgheri's Vermentino-based whites, while less famous, are also well worth seeking out. The DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) designation for Italian wines was introduced in the 1960s. It is the main classification system used in the country and regulates what winemakers can and cannot do regarding wine style, varietal restrictions, minimum and maximum alcohol levels, aging techniques and growing regions.

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