Merlot Alira 2009
Merlot ALIRA 2009 is the first Romanian wine created by the experienced winemaker Marc Dworkin, who has made in the past wines rated between 84 and 90 Parker points.
From the first touch, this young wine manages to impress through the complex bouquet. The harmonious blend of black fruit (sour cherries, black currant and dried plums), smoked wood and slight milky tones covered in vanilla and rom are seductively inviting.
The mouth shows balance that evolves to deeper tones of wild strawberries, almonds, cacao and burdock.
The climax of aromas is achieved at the finish with the supremacy of spicy tones.
The grapes are hand-picked, then carefully selected on sorting tables. Cold maceration of whole berries is performed from 5 to 8 days at 16 C grades . Alcohol fermentation (50% spontaneous, 50% with addition of selected yeast strains) is controlled at 26-28 C gradesduring 8-10 days, followed by maceration from 5 to 8 days in thermoregulated concrete tanks.
The final step is ageing for about 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% one year old and 50% percent 2 years old.
Awards
International Wine Contest Bucharest, 2012: Gold medal
Premiile de excelenta Vinul.ro, 2011: Silver medal, 5-10 euro category
Premiile de excelenta Vinul.ro, 2010: Silver medal, Horeca wines category