Cielo e Terra, Casa Defra, Merlot, IGT Colli Berici, Veneto, Italy, 2023

Producer Profile

Cielo e Terra is a joint venture between two families, Cielo, who have been making wine for over a century in Veneto and Puglia, and the Cantina Sociale Colli Berici.

Drawing on the Colli Berici’s vineyard resources, combined with the Cielo family’s winemaking skills, their partnership consistently produces wines which are fantastic value for money from both indigenous and international varieties.

Viticulture

The soil is calcareous and of marine origin. The climate is temperate, with mild winters and windy summers. Rainfall is low (around 800-1100 mm per year) but with a slight increase in autumn. In case of dry summers, extra irrigation is planned.During vintage, the agronomist in charge verifies the extent of maturation of the grapes and establishes vintage timing accordingly. Upon arrival at the winery, grapes are selected by type, area of origin and sugar content, as these indications are fundamental to determine the wine quality potential. Each bunch is trimmed to increase concentration, grapes are hand picked.

Winemaking

Hand picking of grapes, soft pressing and fermentation maceration for 6-8 days. to get the right colour intensity. Use of yeasts and fermentation at controlled temperature below 25 ° C. Storage in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures below 20 ° C trying to protect wine with nitrogen to prevent oxidative effect of the air. Cold stabilization and bottling through isobaric filler.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

A ruby red, soft, plummy little number that oozes juicy, ripe fruit. Supple and fleshy on the palate with hints of spice and fruit cake.

Food Matching

Savoury courses, seasoned cheeses and red meat.