# Högberga Merlot (2021)

- **Producer:** Högberga Vinfabrik
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blueberry, black cherry, black plum, cedar, chocolate, coffee, vanilla, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Högberga Merlot 2021 is a red wine produced by Högberga Vinfabrik in Lidingö, Stockholm, Sweden. The grapes are sourced from the Maremma region of Tuscany, Italy. This wine is notable for its unique production location, blending Italian viticultural origins with Swedish winemaking. The winery's philosophy centers on producing quality wines from Tuscan grapes, demonstrating an innovative approach to winemaking by transporting grapes over long distances.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes travel from Tuscany to Stockholm for vinification.
- This wine is a testament to cross-border winemaking.
- Högberga Vinfabrik is a Swedish winery focused on Italian grapes.
- Only 1200 bottles of this Merlot were produced.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats like lamb and beef, while its fruity notes can harmonize with herbs and spices. The acidity helps to cut through richer dishes, and the subtle herbal and coffee notes can echo flavors in vegetarian preparations.

## Wine making process

The Högberga Merlot 2021 is produced using 100% Merlot grapes sourced from Maremma, Tuscany. After hand-harvesting in early September 2021, the grapes are transported to Sweden. Vinification involves controlled alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 22-29°C, followed by an extended maceration period of five days. The wine is then aged for 17 months and 2 weeks in French oak barrels. The producer aims to allow the grape's character to shine through by utilizing older oak barrels.