Italian wine similar to Merlot – Cabernet Sauvignon: another variety native to the area surrounding Bordeaux. It's commonly used like Merlot to soften more tannic and acidic grapes. However, it can be enjoyed by itself for its fullness and herbal notes mixed with scents of red fruits.
When it comes to finding an Italian equivalent to Merlot, one wine that comes to mind is Cabernet Sauvignon. While not native to Italy, Cabernet Sauvignon has found a home in many Italian wine regions and is often blended with native grape varieties to create unique and flavorful wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its full-bodied nature and bold flavors. Just like Merlot, it has the ability to soften the tannins and acidity of other grapes when used in blends. This makes it a versatile grape that can be used to enhance the character of other varietals.
In Italy, Cabernet Sauvignon is often found in regions such as Tuscany and Piedmont, where it is blended with Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, respectively. These blends create wines that are rich and complex, with the herbal notes and scents of red fruits that are characteristic of Cabernet Sauvignon.
One example of an Italian wine that showcases the qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon is “Super Tuscan” wines. These wines emerged in the 1970s when winemakers in Tuscany began experimenting with blending international grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, with the traditional Sangiovese grape. The result was a bold and powerful wine that defied the rules of traditional Italian winemaking.
I have had the pleasure of trying a Super Tuscan wine called “Tignanello” from the Antinori winery in Tuscany. This wine is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine a fullness and structure that balances out the acidity of the Sangiovese. It has a beautiful aroma of ripe red fruits, with hints of herbs and spices. The flavors are complex and well-integrated, with a long and satisfying finish.
Another Italian wine that showcases Cabernet Sauvignon is “Barolo” from the Piedmont region. Barolo is made primarily from the Nebbiolo grape, but some producers add a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon to the blend. This addition adds depth and complexity to the wine, enhancing its structure and aging potential.
While there may not be a direct Italian equivalent to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape variety that shares similar characteristics and is widely used in Italian winemaking. Its fullness, herbal notes, and scents of red fruits make it a versatile and enjoyable wine on its own or when blended with native Italian grapes. So, if you're a fan of Merlot, I would highly recommend exploring Italian wines that feature Cabernet Sauvignon in their blends.