Zidarich Rosso Ruje 2016

Zidarich's 80% Merlot, 20% Terrano blend opens with a seductive wash of crushed blueberry, slate, and dried herbs, dark and inviting from the first sniff. On the palate it's sleek and polished, with red and black fruits gliding across a bright, saline-edged acidity. Grippy tannins provide just enough grip without interrupting the flow, and the finish lands with a pleasing freshness, a light residue of concentrated fruit the only reminder of how much is packed in here. The Merlot expresses itself with genuine varietal clarity, no small feat in a blend, and the Terrano's mineral bite keeps things honest. One of Carso's most satisfying reds.