Ascona Riserva – Merlot Ticino DOC Riserva Cantina alla Maggia – 2021

75 cl

Alcohol content: 15% vol.

Grape varieties: 100% Merlot

Vinification:

The Ascona Riserva is a pure Merlot and is considered the only genuine wine from Ascona. It comes from the first vines planted on the estate forty years ago. The vines grow on sandy-loamy soils of granitic and gneissic origin, characterised by the microclimate of Lake Maggiore and the mineral deposits of the River Maggia. After careful manual harvesting, fermentation and maceration takes place in stainless steel tanks for around three weeks. The wine then matures for 30 months in new barriques and at least a further six months in the bottle to develop its complexity and structure.

Tasting note:

The Ascona Riserva has a dark garnet red colour with brilliant reflections in the glass. The bouquet is characterised by great finesse and complexity, with notes of dried red fruit, subtle toasted notes and a hint of balsamic vinegar, dried flowers, orange peel and oriental spices. On the palate, it presents an impressive structure with present tannins, elegant acidity and a harmonious interplay of flavours. The finish is long-lasting and reflects the variety of flavours.

Cantina alla Maggia:

In the heart of Ticino, nestled between Lake Maggiore and the Maggia Delta, lies the Cantina alla Maggia – a place where nature, craftsmanship and passion come together in a unique way. Its origins lie in the Terreni alla Maggia farm in Ascona, founded in 1930. Wine production began in 1946.

Today, Cantina alla Maggia cultivates 11.5 hectares of vineyards and is a renowned winery whose wines are prized throughout Switzerland for their quality. Oenologist Ettore Biraghi and his team oversee every stage of the process on site – from tending the vines through to the harvest, winemaking and bottling.

The aim is to produce wines that reflect their origins and express the very best of the Ticino terroir – whilst remaining as faithful as possible to the character of the respective grape varieties. The range comprises a diverse selection of wines, including classic Merlot wines, Bondola – an indigenous Ticino grape variety and a Slow Food Presidium – as well as selected wines aged in barriques. The range is complemented by the estate’s own spirits, including grappa, a whisky aged for over ten years made from barley grown on the estate, and a gin refined with yuzu grown in Ticino.