Ferjančič – Merlot, 2017

It’s time we take a look at a family of winemakers which we haven’t yet introduced here. We’re in Vipava valley, specifically the village of Planina, where the Ferjančič family produces a range of wines in both fresh and oak refined wines. Tonight we’ll taste their prizewinning Merlot.

This wine is assembled with grapes coming from two vineyards, one in Majerija at an altitude of 150 meters above sea level and the other at Slap at 200 meters above sea level. Both are facing east, south-east and are planted on Eutric brown soil over flysch layers and have 18 years.

Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, destemmed and crushed. The mash ferments for ten days with the addition of selected yeast in a large vinificator, with controlled temperatures below 25 ° Celsius. The young wine is then moved to mature for two years in one 2.000 litres oak barrel of Slavonian origin, and a combination of French barriques, some new, some used, also conducting malolactic fermentation during this time.

All this process results in a Merlot with a deep, ruby red colour and dense texture.

The bouquet is mostly fruity but at the same time spicy and refined. We perceive ripe red fruit, cherry, blackberry, violet, red rose. The sweetness of aroma is dictated by vanilla, cinnamon, anise flower, allspice, forest undergrowth, and a sophisticated pencil tip note.

The taste is youthful but subtly complex—intense, dry, even fresh, with tannins starting the ripening path. The body is vigorous, and the taste is noble, lasting. A Merlot recalling some of the Worlds’ best expressions of this variety, as produced by the most experienced masters, with a tremendous ageing potential of 10 years and more.

You can get this wine for a fair price between 16 to 20 Eur at Faladur or Be-wines, and trust me – you should get it fast, and keep in the cellar for the next decennia, you won’t regret it.