Vie di Romans Voos Dai Ciamps is a 100% Merlot from the Friuli producer Vie di Romans, producer of a wide and fine range of Italian wines. Not content with just a Merlot, Vie di Romans routinely produce award winning Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Tocai Fruiano, Malvasia and Riesling. Now, I've had some rumblings about when is Merlot Month going to end, well, this is wine 8 of 10 and it's Wednesday, so, by the end of the week I'll be freed from the chains of Italian Merlot and we can move on to something else. What else? You tell me, I've had some interesting emails about Nero d'Avola and many would like me to turn some spotlight on Rosé as we're in the height of summer. So, leave a comment and tell me what you'd like to see sunk and drunk! Don't be shy!So, the wines are getting cheaper and cheaper and harder and harder to come by. This is the 2001 vintage, another fine Italian vintage but this wine, especially compared to yesterdays, is leaving me a little cold. These Fruili Merlots are all over the place, not settled in a price slot or style so far. The Vie di Romans effort stands out from the "Merlot" character and is the most distinctive wine of Merlot Month, just because it doesn't contain the normal traits of the grape.
So, Vie di Romans, do you know them? Serious Italian wine fans probably will, a large outfit with a simply shocking family name. Say "Gallo" to any wine snob and the wince will spread across their face (talking of wine snobbery, see the Bottle Shock preview below), but these Gallos are the family that created these vineyards some 30 years ago. The family have a keen interest in the history of the area and their specific terroir and offer more in depth information about their vineyards than any producer I've ever seen, click here.
Before I review the wine I'd like to just do a quick catch up. People have been asking where I've been, of course I know my absence created a huge void in your life and I don't have a note from my mother (2nd time I've mentioned you in under a month, leave a frickin comment mummy!) but sorry, I spent the weekend at the fabulous Carlton and Grand Canal in Venice (ok, I'm not sorry) it was too hot for anything but Prosecco which I drunk in copious amounts with my travel pal! Lastly, let's take a look at the trailer for Hollywood blockbuster "Bottle Shock" which premiers this autumn, maybe Bottle Shock is going to be some kind of shot in the arm for Chardonnay, still being stoned alive from the memory of Bridget Jones.
Vie di Romans Voos Dai Ciamps Merlot 2001 - PASS - €25
Nice brooding red in the glass, with a sugary and tight nose. Aromas of plums as you'd expect, but dirt and animal characteristics that you wouldn't. Terroir driven Merlot? Probably. Mid bodied on the palate, soft and silky tannins, quite acidic but saved with a good long and memorable finish. I am all about the nose, even though this was decanted, it was mean with me. 87 Points
Nice wine, especially on the palate, but €25 and 87 points is not a ratio trade off I enjoy. I didn't bring the Planeta Merlot into the mix, costs a little less and much better. If you want to come into Italian Merlot at this price point, do Planeta.
Where can I buy this wine?
Europeans - Trimani - €25
Americans - Prime Wines NY - $45
Brits - Winebuythecase - £20
Leave a comment!
Looking forward to Bottle Shock? What grape varietal shall I rock next? Any wine you'd like to see reviewed at all? Will Nadal beat Murray? (please, please, please).
