2019 Allegretto “Pie Franco” Merlot

2019 Allegretto “Pie Franco” Merlot

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ALLEGRETTO IN 7 WORDS

Cherries, Plum, Herbaceous, Mineral, Chalky, Vibrant, Rustic

WINEMAKER’S NOTES

We celebrate the fact that we make wine in a region where vintage variations play an important role. Atypical growing seasons are a nightmare for commercial wineries interested in making consistent but boring wines. For us, however, it defines our interest in wine. We look forward to seeing what Mother Nature gives us to work with each year. It is the effects of each vintage on the finished wine that urges us to start verticals of our favourite wines then follow their evolution and discuss their merits at tastings with friends.

Allegretto or a medium brisk and playful tempo is a very special single vineyard wine we call a true Merlot. The vines are planted on their rootstock (pie franco) in white silica sand (what glass is made out of). With every vintage, we are rewarded with trueness and transparency in the flavour that is not seen elsewhere. We also believe the white silica sandy soil of this vineyard contributes to the elegant style of this wine.

After not making any in the 2018 vintage, 2019 Allegretto returns with a big bang. 2019 Allegretto is a classic medium-bodied single vineyard Merlot hailing from a warm microclimate, within a cool macroclimate. A wine that makes its presence known both on the nose and on the attack by walking on a tight rope between new world and old world qualities. Mostly integrated tannins with a slightly edgy feel and a melange of red and black fruit approach you with poise. Raw cacao nibs and wild desert herbs mingle with the fruit and delicate dusty earthy notes. While the past few vintages (2014-2016) were all on the more structured side, the 2019 vintage can be enjoyed upon release or tucked away to gain complexity and nuances to wow even the biggest Merlot nay-sayers.

Please note prices do not include applicable taxes or bottle deposit (PST 10% and GST 5%)

Slideshow Items

  • 92 points

    Allegretto Piè Franco is a rare, ungrafted, single-vineyard merlot rooted in white silica sand in the south Okanagan. In Italy, when a vine grows on its rootstock, it is referred to as piè franco. Winemaker Severine is the force behind this super fresh version of merlot, pitching spicy red plums and desert scrub. The attack is lit by acidity and minerality with black raspberry and medium dry, youthful tannins. This merlot is built to age and has a solid decade of ageing in bottle before we get its best. Very Tuscan-like.

    Anthony Gismondi Gismondi On Wine  |  Tasted: dec 2021