Venica Collio Merlot 2019

Vin Chicago: 90 Points

(12/2023) This vibrant, medium-bodied Merlot hails from the far east of northeast Italy, in Collio, about one mile from the Slovenian border. Merlot has been grown in the area since 1869, and this example from Venica is a good affirmation of why. Quintessentially Italian in the glass, this has the easy, supple tannin and medium-plus acidity to partner with a range of foods. A shapeshifting profile offers tart blackberry fruit, energized by cherry, mint and violet perfume - with aeration, an evocative olive note appears on the close. A versatile and excellent value, this classic expression has more verve, tension and herbal characteristics than today's Right Bank Bordeaux offers - consider it a throwback!