Poliziano's 2013 In Violas shows off the richness and depth that Cortona’s clay soils bring to Merlot. Aromas of dark chocolate, coffee, and black olive lead into a full-bodied, structured wine with firm tannins and earthy intensity. Let it breathe—or better yet, give it a little more cellar time for full expression.

Wine Spectator | WS 92
Published: Jul 31, 2017

Focused aromas and flavors of black currant, cedar, toast and herbs mark this vibrant, elegant red. Shows power, as the tannins gather steam on the lingering finish. Needs time. Best from 2019 through 2028. 1,200 cases made, 200 cases imported.

James Suckling | JS 90
Published: Jul 19, 2016

A riper style of merlot with coffee and dark chocolate character as well as black olive. Full body. Chewy tannins. Let it soften a little. Better in 2018.

Carlettipoliziano.com

The establishment of the Cortona Doc in 1999, the immediate affirmation as a suitable area for international vines, together with the friendship with the Aliotti Tommasi family – owner of optimal land – were the inspiring factors for the birth of Poliziano’s enological project in Cortona. In 2006, convinced of the striking potential of Merlot cultivated in the Pliocene clay of Cortona, we began bottling In Violas.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: Approximately 14% ABV
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2013
Oak: French oak barrel ageing; exact duration and new-oak proportion not confirmed
Varietals: 100% Merlot
Farming: Traditional viticulture; specific certification not confirmed
Vineyard Area: Cortona, Tuscany, Italy
Vinification: Carefully selected Merlot grapes are fermented under controlled temperatures, followed by maceration for colour, flavour and tannin extraction. The wine is matured in oak barrels before bottle ageing.
Winemaker: Poliziano estate winemaking team
Region: Cortona DOC, Tuscany, Italy

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 1 hour
Food Pairing: Grilled beef, roast lamb, braised short ribs, duck breast, wild boar, and mature hard cheeses.