Falesco Montiano 2001
Falesco Montiano 2001 is a 100% Merlot from Falesco (Lazio). Falesco Montiano 2001 is one of Lazio’s most famous wines and was a frequent suggestion as a top Merlot that I must try out for “Merlot Month“. The 2001 got some great reviews from Parker et al and as such I was itching to try it. The price is really fair for a 93-94 point wine at around €25. This is the first Merlot of my 10 flight of Italian Merlot so I should really reserve judgement until the end but for a QPR wine, we have something very special.I am a huge fan of Falesco, I love their cheapy wine, the “Tellus” and I love that they are breaking into Lazio that has no business being the hub of mass produced whites. Lazio is some premium terroir and the Montiano is proof perfect of this. This wine is capable of ageing and I suspect, as the more recent vintages are also very good, that this could be a pretty clever investment wine over the next 20-25 years.
This wine is really versatile, you can drink it alone but where it really shines is with meats such as lamb. Another reason why this wine is close to my heart is that it’s grown just outside one of my favourite towns in the whole of Italy, Montefiascone. This is a beautiful town perched on high with views of lake Bolsena below and occupies a fabulous position, look to the east to find Umbria and to the north is Tuscany, literally only a few clicks from both. Wonderful area. Despite the fact I have had 4 speeding tickets from the Montefiascione police, I still love it there.
So onto the review, obviously I can’t place this in any order, it being the first Merlot down the hatch so you’ll just have to take it for what it is. The 2001 vintage was pretty good, there has been better before and since but its a good example of the wine so, here we go.
Falesco Montiano 2001 – BUY – €26
Penetrating and intense ruby red. The nose quickly gives up heavenly aromas, we have loads of plum here with touches of chocolate and coffee and well as dark berries, the nose profile continues onto the palate, the wine is wonderfully fruity and has a nice mouth feel, great tannins and a smooth and satisfying finish. Classy. 92 Points
Where can I buy this wine?
Europeans – Drogheria Pedrelli – €26
Americans – The wine to buy – $39
Brits – Imbibros – £22.50
No Questions on the Merlot Flight Entries but feel free to comment you little terrors!