MERLARA WINE ZONE, VERONA PROVINCE

The area of the Merlara wine zone encompasses municipalities in the province of Padua and province of Verona, has always been interested in wine-growing, even if only as a marginal and secondary cultivation, dating back as far as the 16th century. The grapes, harvested and processed in the wineries of the courts to make the wine, were served as refreshments to the numerous wayfarers as they went on their way through the old roadways connecting important trading towns. The area has recently turned to better quality wine-making, thanks to the commitment of local growers who have invested not only in more technically advanced business management, but also in vineyards. Local historical ties with vines can be traced to varieties such as Marzemino, Raboso and Merlot as far as red wines are concerned and Malvasia and other grapes such as Trebbiani for whites.

D.O.C. wines are: Merlara Bianco - a blend comprising 50-70% of Tocai friulano and the remainder of other white grapes, Merlara Bianco frizzante (sparkling), Merlara Tai, Merlara Malvasia, Merlara Rosso - a Merlot, Cabernet and Marzemino blend, Merlara Cabernet, Merlara Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlara Merlot, Merlara Marzemino frizzante (sparkling) and Merlara novello.

The territory is home to a number of places of interest, such as the historical town walls of Montagnana, Villa Correr in Casale di Scodosia, Villa Barbarigo in Merlara and Villa Fascinato in Terrazzo.

The beauty of the landscape the area has to offer is appreciable. Each season characterises and changes the landscapes of valleys against the backdrop of the Euganean and Berici Hills, a unique view. In the spring, the orchards blossom and the emerald green of the vines provides a charming view of the landscape. In the summer, the golden expanses of wheat fields are a wonderful sight glimpsed between the Adige and Fratta rivers. In the autumn, the colour of leaves in the vineyards, exposed to the sun, reflect golden and reddish shades all around.