Marco Merli
– Colli Altotiberini, Italy
Established in 2003 by Marco’s father, Enzo, Cantina Marco Merli began as an agricultural venture that has since evolved into a personal project. Marco joined in 2006, setting off on a journey of experimentation and analysis to create wines that express the essence of time, tradition, and craftsmanship.
The vineyard sits on chalky clay soils in the heart of Umbria, Italy, between 280 and 400 meters above sea level. The southwest-facing slopes provide ideal conditions for a variety of grapes, including Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, and Malvasia Nera, with vines ranging from 17 to 60 years old. The cellar is a place of minimal intervention, with indigenous yeasts driving fermentation and the wines aging in stainless steel, glass, cement or old oak barrels without filtration or additives.
One of his signature wines is Brucisco, a classic Umbrian blend named after Marco’s father, made from Trebbiano Toscano, Grechetto, and Malvasia di Candia. This amber-hued white offers a mineral character with a lively expression, aged in stainless steel and tonneau.
Cultivation: 7 ha
Production: 20.000
Varieties: Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Trebbiano, Malvasia, Verdello, Grechetto and Malvasia Nera
Approach: Natural, no machinery, wild yeast fermentations
Certifications: Biologic
Sulfites added: none to minimal, but no higher than 30
